At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative AI research to model infectious diseases and promote health equity.
- Company: Join King's College London, a leader in health and AI research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and access to top-tier resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and contribute to equitable disease modelling.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong programming skills in R or Python.
- Other info: Collaborate with global experts and enjoy a supportive research environment.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 56000 £ per year.
About us
King's College London invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling to join the GeoAI for Health Equity Lab (GAHEL, pronounced "gail") led by Dr. Sabrina Li. The PDRA will contribute to Dr. Li's UKRI-funded Future Leaders Fellowship project which focuses on integrating equity considerations into infectious disease modelling and surveillance, starting with the UK. The PDRA will be based in the Department of Geography, but will have access to training and support from King's Health Partners Digital Health Hub, King's Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Digital Futures Institute. The PDRA will also have access to research and career development from King's Centre for Research Staff Development.
The postholder will work closely with Dr. Li and in collaboration with national and international interdisciplinary partners based at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and John Hopkins University (USA).
About the role
The PDRA will lead the development of new computational and mathematical models to quantify and predict infectious disease risk, particularly for identifying high risk individuals and groups. The PDRA will translate conceptual frameworks into mathematical models of complex cross-scale disease dynamics across different epidemiological scenarios. A key responsibility is to test key assumptions about differential disease risk by integrating high‐resolution socio-ecological, environmental, and novel health data from individual and population sources. This research will advance our understanding of how major infectious diseases of concern in the UK emerge, spread, and unequally affect different individuals and population groups.
Outcomes of this research will help advance the development of more equitable, spatial data‐driven approaches to public health surveillance and pandemic preparedness, with direct links to public health policy. The findings will inform the development of a real‐time spatial AI system to improve early detection and risk prediction, to protect vulnerable populations in the UK and in the future globally.
This is a full‐time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a 3.5‐years fixed‐term contract with a potential opportunity to extend. Research staff at King's are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro‐rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- Essential criteria
- PhD in applied mathematics, statistics, engineering, computational biology, econometrics, or a related discipline.
- Experience in developing complex models using real‐world data, with strong programming proficiency in R or Python and version control systems like Git. Familiarity with spatial and statistical libraries (e.g. INLA, PyMC, scikit‐learn, GeoPandas).
- Proven ability to work independently.
- Track record in publishing peer‐reviewed papers.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within teams, with a strong commitment to fostering a fair and inclusive work environment.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including to diverse audiences.
- Experience managing stakeholder relationships and working in a practitioner/policy context.
- Experience working on interdisciplinary research projects.
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document.
£47,379 per annum including London Weighting Allowance
Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling in London employer: Institute for Modern
Contact Detail:
Institute for Modern Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the GeoAI for Health Equity Lab. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience with complex models and programming. When you get that interview, let your work speak for itself!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. Focus on explaining your research and technical skills clearly, especially how they relate to equitable disease modelling.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in developing complex models and your programming skills in R or Python. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific needs of the GeoAI for Health Equity Lab.
Showcase Your Research Impact: When detailing your previous work, focus on the impact of your research. Mention any peer-reviewed papers you've published and how they relate to equitable disease modelling. This will help us understand your contributions to the field and your potential for future projects.
Communicate Clearly: Your written communication skills are crucial for this role. Ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. We appreciate candidates who can convey complex ideas simply, especially when addressing diverse audiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at King’s College London.
How to prepare for a job interview at Institute for Modern
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Dr. Sabrina Li's work and the GeoAI for Health Equity Lab. Familiarise yourself with the project’s goals and how your skills in applied mathematics and programming can contribute to equitable disease modelling. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how you can add value.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with R or Python and any relevant libraries like INLA or GeoPandas. Prepare examples of complex models you've developed using real-world data. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical prowess and problem-solving abilities, so have specific projects in mind that highlight your skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since this role involves working with interdisciplinary teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and your ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences. This will show that you’re not just a lone wolf but a team player.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the project, the team dynamics, and how your role fits into the larger goals of the lab. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. Plus, it demonstrates your proactive approach to understanding the position.