Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies 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: Fixed-term contract, 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 field, strong programming skills, and experience in model development.
- Other info: Collaborate with leading institutions like UKHSA and Johns Hopkins University.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 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 fixed term contract until 30 September 2030. Part time employment may be considered.
Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7.
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.
Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS employer: King's College London
Contact Detail:
King's College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
✨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 job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest research in AI and disease modelling. Show us you’re not just familiar with the basics but are genuinely passionate about how this work impacts public health.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in our minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Equitable Disease Modelling - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your experience in developing complex models and your programming skills in R or Python, as these are key for the position.
Showcase Your Research: Don’t forget to mention any peer-reviewed papers you've published. This is a great way to demonstrate your research capabilities and your commitment to advancing knowledge in your field.
Emphasise Collaboration Skills: Since this role involves working with various interdisciplinary partners, make sure to highlight your ability to collaborate effectively within teams. Share examples of how you've fostered inclusive work environments in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at King's College London
✨Know Your Models Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss the computational and mathematical models you've developed in detail. Be prepared to explain how you've used real-world data to inform your modelling, and be ready to share specific examples of your work with R or Python.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with interdisciplinary teams, highlight your experience in collaborative projects. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas to diverse audiences and fostered an inclusive environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your knowledge of spatial and statistical libraries like INLA or GeoPandas. Brush up on these tools and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in your research.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research King’s College London and Dr. Li’s work to understand their focus on equitable disease modelling. Be ready to discuss how your background and interests align with their goals, especially regarding public health policy and pandemic preparedness.
