Senior Research Fellow

As part of the broader national PREPARE programme, this research project will focus on the development of mathematical models to support future preparedness for epidemic threats in Singapore. We will develop pathogen-agnostic epidemiological models that share characteristics associated with the route of transmission focusing on two routes that are significant threats for Singapore – respiratory and mosquito-borne transmission. The models will be used to identify national data needs to support epidemic response and to evaluate early containment options. By taking a systematic and documented approach to code development, we will ensure that the models can be rapidly adapted to account for emerging threats. The research project is a collaborative endeavour between Imperial Global Singapore (IGS) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). The position is based at the Imperial Global Singapore office located in the CREATE building on the NUS campus. The senior research fellow will join a vibrant cross-faculty interdisciplinary research environment currently hosting approximately 30 researchers working across 5 major programmes. The senior research fellow will also have a formal attachment to the Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis in the School of Public Health at Imperial College London. 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. On a day-to-day basis, the senior research fellow will also work closely with their counterparts on this project at the Centre for Epidemic Research & Modelling (CERM) within the Saw Swee Sock School of Public Health at NUS. The mission of this Centre is to advance the science of infectious disease modelling, inform policies through innovative research, and train the next generation of modellers. Purpose of the Post The postholder will work closely with the project PIs to lead the overall direction of the research project. They will work closely with the two research fellows and a research software engineer to develop of a suite of pathogen-agnostic transmission models to capture the range of future potential threats from respiratory and vector-borne pathogens. They will consider the data inputs and needs, working closely with the research associate and wider teams in the PREPARE research programme and Communicable Diseases Agency to identify data needs and gaps. They will additionally work with the PIs to design and evaluate scientific priorities through using the models to evaluate response options for putative “disease X” outbreaks in Singapore, regionally and globally. They will additionally support the training and development activities associated with the project, including managing the design and delivery of workshops with relevant Singaporean stakeholders. Key Responsibilities To lead the Imperial Global Singapore contribution in this research collaboration: To take initiative in the planning and leading of research in this project and contribute to wider projects as appropriate To manage multi-stakeholder collaborations for the project with the PREPARE research teams and Communicable Disease Agency staff To monitor and ensure effective management of assets and budgets allocated as part of the role To manage the overall research project delivery and reporting to funders and wider stakeholders To support training and capacity building in modelling including workshop delivery and supervision of junior staff Research Duties: To lead the overall transmission model framework development, assisting the research fellows on the project to develop frameworks that are comparable for the different transmission routes, have clear linkage to data input, and generate appropriate outputs to support public health decision-making To work with the project PIs to develop and address scientific priority questions aligned with response options for putative “disease X” outbreak scenarios To oversee the work of research fellows and research associate associated with this project, including providing day-to-day s…