Mathematical Modeler

Background

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) has received financial support from the World Bank for Africa CDC Regional Investment Financing project to strengthen regional infectious disease detection and response systems. EPHI is the technical wing for the FMoH re-established as an exciting and dynamic autonomous federal government institute having its own legal entity in charge of three main objectives as expressed in the regulation number 301/2013: 1) Research on priority public health and nutrition issues (based on national public health research agendas), generate, translate and disseminate scientific and technological knowledge; 2) Surveillance for the early identification and detection of public health risks and prevent public health emergencies through adequate preparedness, alert, timely information to respond effectively and timely and ensure rapid recovery of the affected population from the impact of public health emergency; 3) national laboratory services on emerging and re-emerging public health emergency threats including referral diagnostic, back up services and analytical tests and support the capacity building of health and food science laboratories at the national level for quality laboratory services. In 2018, the institute has established a National Data Management Center for health (NDMC) to transform its data systems, evidence generation and data use for public health emergency responses.

NDMC is responsible to centrally archive health and health related data; ensure data governance and security; create platforms for data sharing, access and use; process and manage data by applying robust data analytic technics, integration of datasets and apply data science to generate and synthesis evidence; and ensure evidence utilization for decision making by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and other relevant stakeholders at local, sub-national and national continental and international levels; ensure relevant capacities are built at local, national and regional levels and to serve as canter of excellence.

The NDMC has the responsibility of implementing Africa CDC Regional Investment Financing Project (ACDCP) functions related to developing innovative interconnected and interoperable disease surveillance and reporting systems, networking regional and continental partners and with Africa CDC and to build data analytic, disease surveillance and reporting, undertaking integrated data analysis, evidence translation, and database development and evidence synthesis, digital platforms and data sharing and, will also serve as a regional and continental information hub. EPHI is therefore looking for a high calibre Mathematical Modeler with strong qualification and experience to contribute for the effective implementation of its aforementioned responsibilities.

Objective

The objective of this post is to ensure deployment of high calibre Mathematical Modeler, who could have technical expertise to develop and analyze mathematical models to study the dynamics and impact of vaccine preventable diseases and infectious diseases. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of researchers, epidemiologists, and public health professionals to support evidence-based decision-making and policy development. To this end, EPHI wants to recruit Mathematical Modeler.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and refine mathematical models to simulate the transmission dynamics and control strategies of vaccine preventable diseases and infectious diseases. This includes developing differential equation-based models, agent-based models, and/or other appropriate modeling frameworks.
• Analyze relevant epidemiological and vaccination data, and integrate it into mathematical models. Use statistical techniques to calibrate and validate models, and interpret the results to inform public health strategies.
• Identify and gather data on disease-specific parameters, such as transmission rates, vaccine efficacy, and population demographics, to inform model parameterization. Stay up-to-date with the latest scientific literature and data sources in the field.
• Conduct scenario analysis to evaluate the impact of different vaccination strategies, interventions, and public health policies on disease transmission, morbidity, and mortality. Provide insights and recommendations based on modeling outcomes.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including epidemiologists, public health experts, statisticians, and policy-makers, to ensure the integration of mathematical modeling into public health decision-making processes.
• Stay abreast of current research in mathematical modeling and infectious disease epidemiology. Contribute to scientific literature through research publications, presentations, and participation in conferences.
• Effectively communicate complex modeling concepts, methods, and results to both technical and non-technical audiences. Prepare reports and presentations summarizing modeling findings for stakeholders, policymakers, and funding agencies.
• Engage in other activities of the centre and the institute

Deliverables

• Analyze relevant epidemiological and vaccination data, and integrate it into mathematical models.
• Develop, implement, and refine mathematical models to simulate the transmission dynamics and control strategies of vaccine preventable diseases and infectious diseases.
• Identify and gather data on disease-specific parameters, such as transmission rates, vaccine efficacy, and population demographics, to inform model parameterization.
• Conduct scenario analysis to evaluate the impact of different vaccination strategies, interventions, and public health policies on disease transmission, morbidity, and mortality.
• Effectively communicate complex modeling concepts, methods, and results to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including epidemiologists, public health experts, statisticians, and policy-makers, to ensure the integration of mathematical modeling into public health decision-making processes.
• Stay abreast of current research in mathematical modeling and infectious disease epidemiology. Contribute to scientific literature through research publications, presentations, and participation in conferences.

Reporting

• Mathematical Modeler will report to the NDMC Coordinator
• Mathematical Modeler will base in EPHI/NDMC in Addis Ababa

Salary: Per MOF Contract Staff salary scale

Duration of contract: One year with possibility of extension

Place of Work: Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa

Reporting to: National Data Management Center for health (NDMC), Lead

Qualifications and Experiences

• Master's/Ph.D. degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Epidemiology, or a related quantitative field and a minimum of 4/2 years of relevant experiences respectively.
• Strong background in mathematical modeling, with experience in developing and implementing models for infectious diseases or vaccine preventable diseases preferred.

Desired Skills and Experiences

• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in modeling, such as R, Python, or MATLAB.
• Knowledge of epidemiological concepts and infectious disease dynamics.
• Familiarity with statistical methods and data analysis techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Published at least 6 public health related articles in reputable and peer reviewed journal (at least three of them as a first author);
• Familiarity with public health policies and practices is a plus.

How To Apply

Note Interested applicants can register in Online through only on ethiojobs  send your CVs and relevant documents at the address given below within 10 days from the first appearance of the announcement

Remarks: Please attach copies of transcripts, academic degree or recommendation letters together with the application. If not attached the copies you may be not short listed.