About the role

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Sussex is inviting applications for a fixed term research position centred on advancing ecological modelling of tick-borne pathogens to better understand their distribution and prevalence along urbanisation and environmental gradients.

In this role, you will develop metapopulation and network models to evaluate the roles of multiple mechanisms in structuring ecological metacommunities composed of ticks, their hosts and associated pathogens. Working closely with project partners, you will integrate process-based metapopulation models into network models to

identify environmental and social factors that are key determinants of the risk of human infection, and suggest critical points for management actions. Your work will involve analysing and utilising complex spatial and temporal datasets collected by our partners in the US component of this collaborative project.

The post is part of the four-year long project “Eco-social dynamics of tick-borne pathogens along urbanization gradients: establishment, spillover, and management”, jointly funded by NSF (USA) and UKRI (UK). The project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics and risk of tick-borne disease along environmental and biodiversity gradients.

The role includes research collaboration with the University of Bath (UK) and a US team coordinated by researchers at Columbia University. While this post has the fixed duration of 24 months, there will be an opportunity to apply for a continuation of this position to be based at the University of Bath (UK) for an additional 48 months of the project.

About you

We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in mathematical biology, ecological and/or epidemiological modelling, or applied dynamical systems with a strong interest in ecology and epidemiology.

Prospective candidates should hold a PhD in Mathematics or be in the final stages of writing up their PhD thesis and have submitted by the start date of the position. Equivalent research experience will also be considered. You should have familiarity with handling large and complex datasets, and be skilled in programming languages such as Python, Matlab or R.

The ideal candidate will be capable of independent research as well as effective teamwork, with excellent communication skills for interdisciplinary engagement with colleagues and external collaborators. A strong interest in interdisciplinary research and applying mathematical techniques to ecological data and environmental challenges is highly desirable.

About our School

We are a research-intensive School that simultaneously delivers outstanding teaching to our students. As such we aim to be consistently recognised as truly world leading in key areas of our science, by extending the international excellence, impact and visibility of our research. We aim to be within the top UK universities in our discipline areas, attracting high-quality students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

We will establish a reputation as having a particularly open, stimulating, collaborative and supportive working environment for both staff and students, enabling the best possible outcomes for research, teaching and learning. We will further enhance our links with non-academic actors on local, national and international scales, and will maximize the impact of our work.

Please find further information regarding the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is proud to hold a Bronze Athena Swan Award.

Why work here

Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are accessible by public transport; Falmer train station is a five-minute walk to campus and several bus stops are located within campus. We also have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to use these with our offering of a cycle to work scheme.

Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it’s our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that.

Find out more about our reward and benefits package.

Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion.

Further Key Information

Please contact Prof Konstantin Blyuss (k.blyuss@sussex.ac.uk ) for informal enquiries.

Candidates should include in their application the following:

• Academic CV
• A personal statement (500 words maximum) outlining their research interests and their research experience to date
• Official academic transcripts
• Contact details for two suitable referees
• Application form

For full details and how to apply see our vacancies page.

The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity, and applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) at Sussex.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.

Eligibility

This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full time and appointed at Grade 7.4.

This role is eligible for sponsorship via the Global Talent visa route.

Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship.

Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.

Benefits

The benefits that you will receive from day one: Hybrid Working, Generous pension scheme, Purchase additional Annual Leave through our Scheme for a great home and work life balance, Discounts of public transport, Cycle to work Scheme, and special rates in hotels in Brighton and the Sussex region, Discounts on high-street shops through our Rewards partner, along with a Cash back Health Plan, Considerable discount on our on-site Gym Facilities because we care about our employees’ Health and Wellbeing.

Location

Brighton, UK

Hours

Full time considered up to a maximum of 37.5 hours per week. Requests for flexible working options will be considered (subject to business need).

Salary

Grade 7 starting at £38,784 to £46,049 per annum, pro rata if part time.

Contract Type

Fixed Term Contract

Attachments

Job_Description_Ref_43284.pdf