Research Fellow

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with a pan-European project working on the containment and control of key plant pathogens/pests. The role requires the ability to generate detailed mechanistic models, to develop highly efficient code to simulate spatio-temporal spread and control, to fit such models to data and to consider robust and effective control strategies.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with world-leading mathematical modellers, plant scientists and practical pest managers from across Europe and to help influence policy. There is considerable scope to develop and extend a range of models in a number of novel directions.

Candidates need to have a strong quantitative and computational background and ideally experience with epidemiological modelling. The successful candidate will need to be able to develop novel models (or extend existing models) to capture the known biology of different invasive pests, and to develop highly efficient code that can be incorporated into user-friendly platforms. Strong communication skills are also important, as the successful candidate will need to interact with academics and stakeholders from a variety of disciplines.

Experience with handling complex data and fitting mathematical models to data would be an advantage. An interest in plant pests and diseases, or a willingness to learn, would also be helpful. An ideal candidate would also have experience of working in a team environment, as well as being able to develop their own ideas.

If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 within the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure.

The post will be located in the Zeeman (SBIDER) Institute, but will formally be based in the Warwick Mathematics Institute and the School of Life Sciences – given the highly interdisciplinary nature of the work. All three are internationally recognised for their pioneering research, and their commitment to training the next generation of talented researchers.

Benefits include an attractive pension scheme, a generous holiday allowance plus Christmas closure, excellent learning and development opportunities, and savings on a wide range of products and services. A generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy and onsite childcare facilities are also offered. Flexible working options are available. The University is a Living Wage employer.