PhD Opportunity - Public Health Modelling
Job No:
BI201820196
Location:
Melbourne
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Burnet Institute implements novel, multidisciplinary scientific programs that use cutting-edge modelling, epidemiology, social research and public health principles to address major health problems in Australia and globally, with a particular focus on highly vulnerable populations.
Burnet’s modelling group is offering a full-time 3-year PhD scholarship with an anticipated start date in 2018. The scholarship provides an opportunity to undertake a PhD working with a dynamic, interdisciplinary team, using mathematical modelling to guide public health decision making and programmatic choices.
The PhD candidate will receive support and mentoring to enrol in a PhD at an eligible university. The Candidate will have access to appropriate coursework, in addition to opportunities to attend conferences and a range of professional development activities.
Modelling within the viral hepatitis working group
The discovery of highly effective treatments for hepatitis C have resulted in the World Health Organization developing its first Global Health Strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis, which includes specific targets for countries to achieve. Reaching these targets could result in substantial reductions in transmission, liver disease and deaths, but there is little understanding of what is required. Mathematical modelling is needed to ensure that country-level responses to hepatitis are appropriate, evidence-based and cost-effective.
The PhD project will be tailored to meet the skills, experience, interests and goals of the successful applicant, but will be designed in a way to directly support the ongoing elimination efforts of the Burnet’s viral hepatitis group. A major focus will be to develop and use models (typically ordinary differential equation models) to answer questions around hepatitis B and hepatitis C elimination in key affected populations, to guide elimination strategies locally and internationally.
CRITERIA
Essential:
- An Honours bachelor’s degree (First Class) or a Master’s degree in mathematics, physics, computer science, economics or similar
OR
An Honours bachelor’s degree (First Class) or a Master’s degree in epidemiology, public health or a related discipline together with demonstrated computing/programming skills (e.g. R, Matlab, Python, C, C++ ) - Well-developed written and oral communication skills
Desirable:
- Evidence of research experience and in preparing manuscripts for publication
- Prior experience working in public health, epidemiology or economics
Burnet Institute is committed to providing our people with a supportive working environment. We value diversity and gender equity at the institute and provide flexible working arrangements for our staff. Burnet is participating in the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Pilot of the Athena SWAN Charter in Australia.
REMUNERATION
AUD $27,084 per annum (equivalent to the NHMRC stipend) for living expenses, tax exempt, for three years, and exempt from tuition fees. Medical/dental applicants may be eligible for a higher stipend rate. Applicants will be expected to apply for national competitive PhD scholarships, including NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships for funding in 2019. Remuneration level will be increased if the applicant is successful in receiving additional University or NHMRC scholarships.
APPLICATIONS
For more information contact Dr Nick Scott: nick.scott@burnet.edu.au.
To apply for this position, please complete the details below and attach the following documents:
- Statement addressing the selection criteria (as outlined above)
- Resume including the names and contact details of three referees
- A copy of your academic transcript(s)
Applications close 20th July 2018.
As part of our commitment to gender equity, we have included a question in the application process on gender. This will allow us to monitor and report on gender in relation to our recruitment process. This field is not compulsory.
Burnet is a child safe organisation. The successful applicant may be required to apply for a Working with Children check and/or criminal record check from the Australian Federal Police.