Early Post-Doctoral Mathematics Modeller - Kilifi at Kenya Medical Research - KEMRI

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop mathematical models to characterise the relationship between interventions and AMR burden and fit these to datasets from Kenya, and possibly Nigeria.
• Adapt these models to explore the relative impact of different aspects of the multimodal interventions
• Collaborate closely with other scientists working on the research group in Kenya, UK, Malawi, Nigeria.
• Present model outputs at scientific and policy meetings in the countries of interest.
• Develop novel ideas and grant applications in the related areas for further funding proposals
• Support the academic life of the ED department and the programme through participation in seminars, journal clubs and mentorship of junior scientists
• Work with other modellers at the KWRP to develop capacity in and appreciation of the specialty of mathematical modelling in infectious diseases and its application to economic evaluation and policy.
• Develop a personal research portfolio that will form the basis for a credible application for grant funding or personal research funding within the lifetime of the position
• By capitalising on other Programme resources (e.g. support for Masters and PhD student training) and by developing personal grants, the post holder may have an opportunity to develop a nascent research group on the path to an independent researcher

Vacancy Requirements:

• PhD in Mathematical Modeling, Epidemiology, Population Health, Infectious Disease Dynamics, Biostatistics, or a related quantitative discipline. Preferably with a focus on infectious disease modeling, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), or health economics.    Mandatory
• Minimum Ten (10) years overall experience Five (5) years of which were at Managerial level    Mandatory
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills. Proficiency in differential equations, stochastic processes, or agent-based modeling relevant to infectious disease transmission and intervention impact assessment.    Mandatory
• Demonstrated experience in developing and analyzing compartmental models (e.g., SIS, SIR), agent-based models, or network models for infectious disease dynamics. Familiarity with multi-modal intervention analysis is a plus.    Mandatory
• Proficiency in at least one programming language commonly used in epidemiological modeling, prefarably R and/or C++    Mandatory
• Experience in integrating heterogeneous data sources (e.g., surveillance data, clinical data, serological surveys) into mathematical models.    Mandatory
• Knowledge of parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification techniques in transmission models.    Mandatory
• Prior research experience related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dynamics or intervention strategies (e.g., vaccination, antibiotic stewardship, infection control measures).    Mandatory
• Understanding of resistance mechanisms and fitness costs in bacterial populations.    Desirable
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams, especially with epidemiologists, clinicians, and public health policymakers.    Desirable
• Ability to translate complex model outputs into policy-relevant insights.    Desirable
• Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.    Desirable
• Experience in science communication, particularly in presenting modelling results to non-technical stakeholders (e.g., policymakers)    Desirable
• Good analytical ability, planning and organizational skills    Skills & Competencies
• Attentive to detail with the capacity to work with/follow laid down processes and procedures    Skills & Competencies
• Ability to work independently/with minimum supervision and within stipulated deadlines and schedules    Skills & Competencies
• Confidentiality and Integrity    Skills & Competencies
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills    Skills & Competencies
• Team working and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment    Skills & Competencies