The MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling is looking for a
Research Assistant/Associate to develop novel statistical and
computational methods to track the transmission of bacterial pathogens
using genomic data. The MRC Centre has built upon a world-leading
research group in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at
Imperial College London to undertake applied collaborative work with
national and international agencies in support of policy planning for
emerging and endemic infectious diseases.

Bacterial pathogens are responsible for some of the deadliest human
diseases such as tuberculosis, tetanus, meningitis, pneumonia or even
stomach cancer. Understanding the evolution and epidemiology of these
bacterial pathogens is therefore of major biomedical importance. In
particular, a good understanding of transmission routes is necessary
to design control measures that can effectively limit the number of
individuals becoming infected. Genomic data is increasingly being
gathered in clinical microbiology, and can be used to answer fine
epidemiological questions, even at the level of direct transmission
between hosts.

However, there is currently a lack of analytical methods to take full
advantage of this new wealth of information. Working closely with Dr
Xavier Didelot, the post-holder will develop the methodology required
to perform such analysis and create new software tools which will be
applicable by microbial researchers around the world. To be valid, the
new methods will need to account for both between-host epidemiology
and within-host evolution. Thorough testing of the methods and
software will be performed using simulated datasets, as well as real
datasets from outbreaks of Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium
difficile, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

The successful candidate will be members of both the MRC Centre and
the Department, and will be based at the St Mary’s Campus, Paddington.

The role requires being close to completing a PhD or equivalent (for
appointment as Research Assistant) and holding a PhD or equivalent
(for appointment as Research Associate) in one of the following areas:
mathematics, statistics, computer science, infectious disease
epidemiology or population biology. You will also need to be able to
demonstrate experience of developing mathematical models, performing
statistical inference and programming in at least one high level
language.

The post is full time for a fixed-term of up to 36 months with a
starting date between 1st April 2016 and 1st July 2016.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Xavier Didelot
([log in to unmask]).

Our preferred method of application is online via our website
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/employment (job reference: SM026-16KO).
Please complete and upload an application form as directed.

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