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- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team to tackle infectious diseases using GeoAI and data science.
- Company: King’s College London, a leader in health equity and innovative research.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, professional development days, and access to top-tier research resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and equity through innovative research.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong programming skills in R or Python.
- Other info: Collaborate with global partners and contribute to meaningful health policy advancements.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
About us
King’s College London invites applications for a Research Assistant (RA) in GeoAI, Infectious Diseases, and Health Equity to join the GeoAI for Health Equity Lab (GAHEL, pronounced “gail”) led by Dr. Sabrina Li. The RA will contribute to Dr. Li’s UKRI-funded Future Leaders Fellowship project which focuses on integrating equity considerations into infectious disease mapping and surveillance, starting with the UK. The RA 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 RA 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 RA will contribute to the theoretical and methodological developments of scalable GeoAI systems that improve understanding of infectious disease risks across populations and space, particularly for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. The RA will lead literature review searches to identify the historical, structural, and contextual drivers of disease risk and inequity, and map pathways and interactions among determinants to inform disease mapping and modelling.
The RA will lead the development of a database of high-resolution equity indicators for disease surveillance, and will contribute to the development of novel approaches for managing confidential spatial health data, including differential privacy and other secure geospatial data protocols. 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 2-year fixed-term contract. The post is offered on a hybrid working basis, typically involving three days per week on campus and two days remote.
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 spatial epidemiology, quantitative geography/remote sensing, ecology, statistics, engineering, data science, quantitative social sciences, or a related discipline.
- Experience in developing models and mapping with 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.
Research Assistant in GeoAI, Infectious Diseases, and Health Equity - 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 Research Assistant in GeoAI, Infectious Diseases, and Health Equity - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the GeoAI and health equity space. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your work in spatial epidemiology or data science. Include any projects, publications, or models you've developed. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in GeoAI and infectious diseases. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their goals, especially around health equity. Tailor your responses to show that you understand their mission and how you can contribute.
✨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. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in GeoAI, Infectious Diseases, and Health Equity - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience in GeoAI, infectious diseases, and health equity, and show us how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your programming prowess in R or Python! We want to see your experience with real-world data and any cool projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to develop models and mapping.
Communicate Clearly: Your written communication skills are key! Make sure your application is clear and concise, and remember to keep it professional while still letting your personality shine through. We love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at King's College London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of GeoAI, infectious diseases, and health equity. Familiarise yourself with the latest research and methodologies in these areas, especially those relevant to the role. Being able to discuss recent studies or advancements will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your programming proficiency in R or Python during the interview. You might be asked to solve a problem or explain how you've used these tools in past projects. Bring examples of your work, like models or maps you've developed, to illustrate your capabilities.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working with various interdisciplinary partners, be ready to discuss your experience in team settings. Share specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others, particularly in diverse teams, and how you contributed to fostering an inclusive environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Prepare to discuss your research and findings in a way that’s accessible, highlighting your excellent written and oral communication skills. This will be crucial for engaging with stakeholders and presenting your work.
