At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate zoonotic disease pathways between bats and humans with a dynamic research team.
- Company: Join the University of Sussex, a leader in STEMM research and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health by studying infectious diseases in wildlife.
- Qualifications: PhD in infectious disease modelling and strong quantitative skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 38784 € per year.
Location: Brighton, UK
Hours: Full-time considered up to a maximum of 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours). Requests for flexible working options will be considered (subject to business need).
Salary: Grade 7 starting at £38,784 per annum, pro‑rated if part‑time.
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Responsibilities:
- Assess potential zoonotic disease transmission pathways between bats and humans as part of the OneBAT consortium funded by Horizon Europe.
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary network of researchers in ecology, epidemiology, and public health.
- Analyse a unique longitudinal dataset from maternity roosts in five European countries, integrating molecular and serological data to characterise infection dynamics of lyssaviruses, filoviruses, and coronaviruses.
- Apply advanced statistical and mechanistic modelling approaches, including fitting compartmental (SIR‑type) models to real‑world surveillance data from wild animal populations.
- Work closely with field ecologists and laboratory scientists across the consortium.
- Contribute to understanding how viruses persist and spread in natural host populations, with implications for predicting and mitigating zoonotic risks.
Qualifications:
- PhD or equivalent experience in infectious disease modelling with strong quantitative skills.
- Experience fitting compartmental models to surveillance data and working with complex longitudinal datasets.
- High competency in R; familiarity with Python and efficient data‑management workflows is advantageous.
- Ability to interpret molecular and serological data and communicate research methods clearly to non‑specialists.
- Strong track record of effective teamwork and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Understanding of infectious disease epidemiology in wild populations and ecological or epidemiological modelling approaches is preferred.
The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity; applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under‑represented in academic posts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) at Sussex. The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Visa and sponsorship:
This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full‑time and appointed at Grade 7.4. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship. This position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship (code: CAH03‑01‑03 - Ecology and Environmental Biology). The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.
Research Fellow in Epidemiological Modelling in Bats employer: Brighton and Sussex Medical School
The University of Sussex is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of epidemiological research. Located in the picturesque city of Brighton, employees benefit from a supportive environment that values diversity and promotes professional growth through interdisciplinary projects and access to unique datasets. With flexible working options and a commitment to equality, the University provides a meaningful and rewarding workplace for those passionate about public health and ecological research.
Contact Detail:
Brighton and Sussex Medical School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Epidemiological Modelling in Bats
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of epidemiology and ecology. Attend relevant conferences or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential collaborators or employers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your research projects, especially those involving statistical modelling and data analysis. This will give you an edge when discussing your experience during interviews and help demonstrate your expertise in fitting compartmental models.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your communication skills. Be ready to explain complex concepts in simple terms, especially when discussing your work with molecular and serological data. Practice makes perfect, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of standing out to hiring managers. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Epidemiological Modelling in Bats
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Fellow position. Highlight your experience in infectious disease modelling and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving bats or zoonotic diseases.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your quantitative skills and experience with compartmental models, and don't forget to express your enthusiasm for collaborating with an interdisciplinary team!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since we’re looking for someone with high competency in R and familiarity with Python, make sure to include specific examples of how you've used these tools in your previous work. This will help us see your technical prowess right away.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brighton and Sussex Medical School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of zoonotic diseases and the specific modelling techniques mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with compartmental models and how you've applied them to real-world data.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with various researchers, so highlight your teamwork skills. Prepare examples of past projects where you worked effectively in a team, especially in interdisciplinary settings.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to explain complex concepts to non-specialists, so practice simplifying your research methods. Think about how you can convey your findings in an engaging way that anyone can understand.
✨Be Flexible and Open-Minded
Since the position offers flexible working options, be prepared to discuss how you can adapt to different working styles and environments. Show that you're open to new ideas and approaches in your research.
