Research Assistant (data science / computer programming) (JD-1121-035)

MATHEMATICAL MODELLING GROUP
The Mathematical Modelling Group uses and develops mathematical and computational models to answer basic and applied research questions on the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases. Studied diseases include dengue, hepatitis C, COVID-19, measles, influenza. Questions relate to the seasonality and spatial dynamics of infectious diseases, the role of environmental and climatic drivers, as well as human population characteristics and movements. Applications relate to the prevention and control of infectious diseases by surveillance, vaccination and other potential interventions. We work closely with the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) in Hanoi, in particular for the analysis of national surveillance data, including serological data.
JOB SUMMARY
The job will be to work on a project that investigates the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the vaccine uptake among infants in Vietnam. The hypothesis is that the disruption occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the vaccine coverage of infants and has delayed it. We will first quantify this decrease and delay and then compute the consequences in terms of risk of childhood diseases outbreaks in Vietnam.
The first part of the job will consist in working on (big) data from the Vietnamese national vaccination registry. Specifically, this will involve data cleaning, documentation, management, vizualization and analysis with statistical and machine learning methods.
The second part of the job will consist in translating the characterized decrease in vaccine coverage or delay in vaccination into a risk of outbreak. Specifically, this will involve the development of a mathematical model of infectious disease transmission and its coding into a computer program for its exploration through simulations.
The research assistant will have the opportunity to develop his/her own research questions later on and evolve his position. The candidate should be academically ambitious, and should have a desire to pursue further study and research.
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KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage a big data base.
Perform data visualization and analyses.
Write the computer code in R and C++
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DEPARTMENT
Mathematical Modelling Group
LOCATION
This post is based at the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
HOURS OF WORK
37.5 hours per week, extra hours may be required
TENURE
This is a 12 months contract, include of 2 month probation.
REPORTING TO
Dr. Marc Choisy, Head of Mathematical Modelling Group