Research Fellow: Mathematical Modelling

Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics

You will join our team using mathematical modelling to study the development of multiple long-term conditions in the MELD-B (Multidisciplinary Ecosystem to study Lifecourse Determinants and Prevention of Early-onset Burdensome Multimorbidity) research project. The post will be held in the Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics group, part of the School of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton.

MELD-B brings together researchers in public health, statistical epidemiology, mathematical sciences and information systems to study the burden experienced by patients living with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, depression and anxiety, along with the timeline of developing conditions, in order to understand better how people develop complex and burdensome combinations of conditions and identify opportunities to intervene.

You will develop computational stochastic dynamical models for the acquisition of conditions and risk factors leading to early-onset burdensome multimorbidity and fit them to data from birth cohort and routine healthcare datasets to identify its early-life determinants. You will use methods such as Markov chains, approximate Bayesian computation and longitudinal cluster analysis and will explore models to identify critical time-points for the prevention of early-onset burdensome multimorbidity. Working with team members in public health epidemiology you will compare dynamical and causal inference methods for identifying potential preventable moments in the development of multimorbidity.

To be successful you will have a PhD* or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in computational mathematical modelling or a closely related subject. An important part of the role is to interact with other MELD-B team members from different disciplinary backgrounds, so an interest and motivation in learning about multimorbidity research outside of your disciplinary expertise and the ability to communicate effectively across disciplinary boundaries are essential.

The School of Mathematical Sciences is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation, and will give due consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and to those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy** and onsite childcare facilities and offers a range of benefits designed to help maintain and support employees' well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

This role is available immediately and is offered on a full-time fixed-term basis until 28th February 2025 due to funding restrictions.

For informal enquiries before submitting your application, contact Prof Rebecca Hoyle (r.b.hoyle@soton.ac.uk).

Please include a covering letter, full CV and details of at least two referees in your application.

Application Procedure 

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Janice Poon (HR Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2750 or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk  Please quote reference 1810822PJ-R on all correspondence.

*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification