Research Assistant or Associate in Infectious Disease Modelling and Health Economics (Maternity Cover)
Job number: MED06038
Faculties: Faculty of Medicine
Departments: School of Public Health
Salary or Salary range: £45,399- £59,484 per annum
Location/campus: White City Campus - Hybrid
Contract type work pattern: Full time - Fixed term
Posting End Date: 29 Nov 2026
About the role
We are seeking a Research Associate or Research Assistant to provide maternity cover on the IMPACT-SIIP project at Imperial College London. The project is funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) as part of their Sustained Viral Resilience Programme, which aims to develop a new class of broad-spectrum antiviral prophylactics (SIIPs) through modulation of the innate immune system. The IMPACT-SIIP project uses mathematical models to understand the potential effects of these future interventions within individuals, and population-level transmission dynamics, including their impacts on population health and health economic outcomes, in order to design target use cases and inform development. We welcome candidates with experience in within-host mathematical modelling, transmission-dynamic modelling and health economic analysis; you do not need experience in all three areas.
The position is based in the Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, founded in 2007. The mission of the Centre is to be an international resource and centre of excellence for research and training in the epidemiological analysis and modelling of infectious diseases. The Centre has built upon a world-leading research group in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College London to undertake applied collaborative work with national and international agencies in support of policy planning and response across a wide range of emerging infectious disease threats and global health challenges.
What you would be doing
Your work will be shaped around your experience and project priorities, drawing on within-host modelling, transmission dynamics and health economic evaluation. You will develop and analyse ODE models, synthesise evidence within a Bayesian framework, assess uncertainty and maintain reproducible research code. Working with Dr Lilith Whittles, Dr Alba Halliday and collaborators, you will connect analyses across the project, lead peer-reviewed publications and present regular progress updates to the funder and collaborators.
What we are looking for
- Research Associate: a PhD in mathematical biology, epidemiology, applied mathematics, statistics, health economics or a related quantitative discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.
- Research Assistant: a first or master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant quantitative discipline.
- Experience developing and analysing mathematical, computational or statistical models in a relevant biological, epidemiological or health economic context.
- Experience with statistical inference, model calibration or parameter estimation, and programming in R, Python or a comparable scientific language.
- Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, communicate findings clearly, and work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience in within-host modelling, health economics or transmission dynamics is welcomed. These are alternative strengths, not cumulative requirements. Bayesian inference, immunology and reproducible scientific software experience are additional advantages.
What we can offer you
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
- Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
- As a member of research staff you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects.
- Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further information
Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have not yet been officially awarded will be appointed as a Research Assistant.
This post is a full-time, fixed-term contract for 12 months (maternity leave cover). The expected start date is 04th January 2027.
If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Lilith Whittles at l.whittles@imperial.ac.uk.
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
We reserve the right to close the advert before the stated closing date, should we receive a high volume of applications. Please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you have any general queries about this vacancy, please contact the hiring manager listed in the ‘Further Information’ section. Alternatively, you can contact the Recruitment Hub at recruitmenthub@imperial.ac.uk, and we will be happy to assist you.
If you experience any technical issues that prevent you from submitting an application, please contact our Technical Support team at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk, who will be able to help resolve the issue.
About Imperial
Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.
Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.
As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.
This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.
Our Culture
We work towards equality of opportunity, eliminating discrimination, and creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our web pages.
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Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
