Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling
Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling

Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling

Full-Time 40000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of AI models for equitable disease risk prediction and public health surveillance.
  • Company: Join King’s College London’s innovative GeoAI for Health Equity Lab.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development days, and access to top-tier research resources.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and contribute to global pandemic preparedness.
  • Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong programming skills in R or Python.
  • Other info: Collaborate with leading institutions and enjoy a supportive, inclusive work environment.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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.

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.
  • Desirable criteria
    • 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.

    ÂŁ47,379 per annum including London Weighting Allowance

    Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling employer: Institute for Modern

    King’s College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling, you will have access to extensive training resources and support from leading health and AI institutes, fostering your growth in a dynamic research environment dedicated to advancing public health equity. With a focus on meaningful research that directly impacts policy and community health, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking work while being part of a supportive academic community in the heart of London.
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    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

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the GeoAI for Health Equity Lab. Attend conferences or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself – you never know who might have a lead on your dream job!

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your work in AI, disease modelling, or any relevant projects. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and helps us see your practical experience beyond just your CV.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in equitable disease modelling. Familiarise yourself with the work of Dr. Sabrina Li and the GAHEL team. This will not only impress them but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their mission.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at King’s College London and contributing to impactful research.

    We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling

    Applied Mathematics
    Statistics
    Engineering
    Computational Biology
    Econometrics
    Model Development
    Programming in R
    Programming in Python
    Version Control (Git)
    Spatial Libraries (e.g. INLA, PyMC, scikit-learn, GeoPandas)
    Independent Work
    Publishing Peer-Reviewed Papers
    Team Collaboration
    Communication Skills

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at GAHEL, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or research!

    Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves developing complex models, be sure to detail your experience with programming languages like R or Python. We’re keen to see examples of your work, especially any peer-reviewed papers you've published that demonstrate your expertise.

    Communicate Clearly: Your written communication skills are crucial for this position. Keep your application clear and concise, and remember to explain technical concepts in a way that’s accessible to diverse audiences. We appreciate clarity as much as complexity!

    Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us 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 Models Inside Out

    Make sure you can discuss your experience with developing complex models using real-world data. Be ready to explain your approach to integrating socio-ecological and environmental data into your models, as this is crucial for the role.

    ✨Brush Up on Your Programming Skills

    Since strong programming proficiency in R or Python is essential, be prepared to showcase your coding skills. You might even be asked to solve a problem on the spot, so practice coding challenges related to spatial and statistical libraries.

    ✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit

    This position involves working closely with interdisciplinary partners, so highlight your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in past projects, especially in diverse teams, to show you're a good fit for their inclusive environment.

    ✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

    Excellent communication skills are key, especially when discussing complex topics with varied audiences. Practice explaining your research and findings in simple terms, as well as being able to engage in technical discussions with experts.

    Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling
    Institute for Modern

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