Vacancy Type/Job categoryFixed term contract until 31.10.19 in the first instance with possibility of an extension.
Warwick Medical School (WMS) wishes to appoint an ambitious researcher to an exciting post-doctoral position at one of the UK’s leading universities. You will work on a research programme, funded by the Department of Health Policy Research Programme, aimed at generating new evidence on the cost-effectiveness of interventions targeted at infectious diseases in England. The precise infections and interventions considered will by driven by Department of Health policy makers, but the initial focus will be on finalising an individual-based model of the effects of PCV (pneumococcal conjugate) vaccines.
You will be based in Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, but will work closely with other researchers at the University of Warwick with considerable expertise in this area, particularly colleagues at the Warwick Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER). Close working and regular communication between the post holder and the other mathematical modellers and health economists will be crucial to the successful delivery of the research programme. You will have day-to-day responsibility for the development of transmission models, including parameterisation of the models through critical reviews of relevant literature and analysis of appropriate datasets, identification of knowledge gaps and, where appropriate, primary research aimed at addressing those gaps. In collaboration with the other mathematical modellers and health economists, you will have day-to-day responsibility for estimating variability, uncertainty and heterogeneity in cost-effectiveness results. Training will be provided where required to fill knowledge gaps.
You will be expected to respond to the needs of Department of Health policy makers who make decisions regarding public health interventions against infectious diseases. You will also be expected to disseminate the outputs of your research in the form of reports to the Department of Health and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
You will contribute to teaching both at undergraduate and MSc level. Mentoring of junior staff and, over the course of the appointment supervision of research degree students, will also be part of the role.
You will have a PhD (or equivalent) in a quantitative subject area. The post would be particularly suited to a mathematical modeller wishing to extend their research to cost-effectiveness analyses within the infectious disease context. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, to tight deadlines and within budget constraints, is crucial. Part-time working arrangements (minimum 0.5WTE) would be considered.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should initially be directed to Professor Stavros Petrou, s.petrou@warwick.ac.uk or 0044 2476 151124, or Professor Matt Keeling, M.J.Keeling@warwick.ac.uk or 0044 2476 524618
You will work on a research programme, funded by the Department of Health Policy Research Programme, aimed at generating new evidence on the cost-effectiveness of interventions targeted at infectious diseases in England. The precise infections and interventions considered will by driven by Department of Health policy makers, but the initial focus will be on finalising an individual-based model of the effects of PCV (pneumococcal conjugate) vaccines.
You will be based in Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, but will work closely with other researchers at the University of Warwick with considerable expertise in this area, particularly colleagues at the Warwick Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER). Close working and regular communication between the post holder and the other mathematical modellers and health economists will be crucial to the successful delivery of the research programme. You will have day-to-day responsibility for the development of transmission models, including parameterisation of the models through critical reviews of relevant literature and analysis of appropriate datasets, identification of knowledge gaps and, where appropriate, primary research aimed at addressing those gaps. In collaboration with the other mathematical modellers and health economists, you will have day-to-day responsibility for estimating variability, uncertainty and heterogeneity in cost-effectiveness results.
You will be expected to respond to the needs of Department of Health policy makers who make decisions regarding public health interventions against infectious diseases. You will also be expected to disseminate the outputs of your research in the form of reports to the Department of Health and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Research
1.To develop various transmission-dynamic cost-effectiveness models of infectious diseases and estimate the cost-effectiveness of relevant interventions. This includes writing model-development and testing plans, and fitting models to alternative scenarios.
2.To contribute to the parameterisation of the models through critical reviews of relevant literature and analysis of appropriate datasets, to identify knowledge gaps and, where appropriate, to develop primary research aimed at addressing those gaps.
3.To use and analyse complex datasets using a range of statistical software.
4.To apply cutting-edge research methods for handling variability, uncertainty and heterogeneity within the models, and to indicate the need for and value of additional research in each area.
5.To develop and implement protocols for managing development of the models.
6.To communicate effectively on a regular basis about the progress of the studies with colleagues in the broader group and with policy colleagues at the Department of Health. Close working and regular communication between the post holder and the other mathematical modellers/health economists will be particularly crucial to the successful delivery of the research programme.
7.To produce regular reports about the progress of the studies for internal use and for the Department of Health Policy Research Programme.
8.To publish the results of research and scholarship in peer-reviewed journals.
9.To attend and present research papers at seminars within WMS and at academic and professional conferences outside the University, and to contribute to the external visibility and reputation of The University of Warwick and WMS.
10.To represent the research group’s interests at external meetings/seminars.
11.To carry out related research activities with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.
Teaching
1.To participate in teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students as necessary and appropriate.
2.To provide advice and supervision to junior colleagues and students as necessary and appropriate.
Administration and Other Activities
1.To attend meetings of the broader research group and departmental meetings and to participate (where necessary and appropriate) in other committees and working groups within the department, the faculty and the University.
2.To undertake such specific departmental roles and management functions as may be reasonably required by your line manager.
3.To engage in continuous professional development.
4.To participate in relevant professional activities and undertake external commitments which reflect well and enhance the reputation of the University.
The duties and responsibilities outlined are not intended to be an exhaustive list but provide guidance on the main aspects of the job. You will be required to be flexible in your duties.
Person Specification
The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation.
For further information about the department, please visit the departmental website
For further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars.
Where you have not yet been awarded your PhD, any offer made to you will be an under-appointment to the post of Research Assistant at a salary of £29,515 per annum. Once your PhD has been awarded and you have evidenced this, you will be appointed to the substantive post of Research Fellow at a salary within the range shown above.
Right to work in the UK
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Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.
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As an organisation using the (DBS) Disclosure and Barring Service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, the University of Warwick complies with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. More information is available on the University’s Vacancy pages and applicants may request a copy of the DBS Code of Practice.