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Senior Mathematical Modeller / Infectious Disease Modeller

Location: London, UK (Hybrid)

Hours: Full Time

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: Competitive

Company

At Food Systems Innovation & Delivery (FSID), we combine cutting-edge predictive modelling with industry-grade software development to support the improvement of agricultural systems in both the developing and developed world. 

 

A key pillar of our work focuses on predictive modelling to improve the early detection, surveillance and management of pest and disease outbreaks impacting crops that currently cause an estimated 30% of yield loss globally.

Objective of the role

FSID is looking for a Mathematical Modeller / Infectious Disease Modeller to join our team. The objective of the role is to lead the development of landscape-scale stochastic spatial epidemic models targeted at different ongoing outbreaks in staple crops, primarily in the developing world. You will work with our partners to understand requirements to support decision makers (NGOs / governments / private sector) to make improved decisions around surveillance and management of outbreaks.

 

From a technical perspective, we are looking in particular for candidates with a strong mathematical and statistical background, specifically in relation to Bayesian parameter estimation techniques.

 

We realise that not all applicants will have prior experience modelling in an agricultural context. Given the significant technical overlap with human / animal infectious disease modelling and other related modelling disciplines, we encourage you to apply nonetheless.

 

We are hiring for two positions, one senior and one mid-career modeller. Both roles are focussed on technical delivery. However, the senior position will take a more leading role in terms of formulating technical approaches, project management and communications with partners.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead on the development and deployment of landscape-scale stochastic spatial epidemic models for crop disease and pest outbreak prediction, surveillance and management

  • Collaborate with NGOs, governments, and private sector stakeholders to translate their needs into actionable model-based solutions for outbreak monitoring and management.

  • Apply Bayesian parameter estimation techniques to parameterise models, improve model accuracy and account for uncertainty in disease dynamics.

  • Review the scientific literature and work with partner organisations to identify datasets to parameterise epidemic spread and management interventions.

  • Work with software developers to optimise the deployment of simulations on high-performance computing infrastructure.

  • Develop optimisation algorithms to improve the efficacy of limited surveillance capacity.

  • Work with a small interdisciplinary team, including mathematical modellers, epidemiologists and software developers, to ensure seamless integration of models into industry-grade user-centric software tools that leverage models for near real-time outbreak monitoring and management.

  • Communicate complex modelling techniques and results to non-technical stakeholders

  • Stay current with advances in infectious disease and pest modelling in agriculture and more widely to continuously enhance modelling approaches.

Skills and Qualifications

  • PhD/DPhil in applied mathematics, statistics, mathematical epidemiology, ecological modelling or another relevant discipline

  • Specialist knowledge in parameter estimation, infectious disease modelling and epidemiology

  • Strong modelling and computational skills, including experience with high-performance computing

  • Strong programming skills in Python / R and (ideally) C++

  • Experience with geostatistical analysis

  • Experience with optimisation algorithms

  • Interest in user-centric approaches and product development

  • Familiarity with agile development practices 

  • Passionate about real-world impact

Apply

Please provide your CV and a short supporting statement (approx. half a page) summarising which role you are applying for (senior or mid), why you are suited to the role, and how you meet the selection criteria.

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To apply for this position, please email your CV and supporting statement to careers@fsid.co

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