APHRC conducts policy-relevant research on population, health, education, urbanization and related development issues in sub-Saharan Africa.
APHRC seeks to recruit a Mathematical Modeler to work in the Data Science and Evaluation (DSE) Theme within the Research Division.
Duties / Responsibilities
The Mathematical Modeler will be responsible for creating models that demonstrate complex processes for solving health-related problems.
They will leverage existing data resources within and beyond APHRC and use their skills combined with software technology to support effective health decision making.
The Mathematical Modeler will:
- Develop and adapt/modify existing mathematical models including deterministic, stochastic, network and individual or agent-based models for health outcomes;
- Work closely with DSE data scientists and AI software developers/engineer to design efficient programs, algorithms, or systems to reduce programming time for parameter sampling, model fitting (to data), and analyses;
- Import and export large sets of raw and synthetic data files for use in statistical analysis and machine learning;
- Manipulate, transform, encrypt, and combine data from multiple data sets including data at the APHRC micro portal, INSPIRE platform and other administrative data sources;
- Perform analytical (counterfactual) simulation exercises using mathematical models for various health outcomes at APHRC;
- Perform literature reviews supported by domain experts, researchers and epidemiologists, to identify model parameters;
- Perform descriptive and exploratory statistical analysis of individual-level or aggregate-level data to parameterize transmission models;
- Validate code and models to ensure algorithms are complete, reproducible, accurate and of high quality prior to analysis;
- Maintain high quality coding practices, version control, and documentation of coding for reproducibility;
- Develop standard operating procedures for effective mathematical modeling activities at DSE;
- Communicate and liaise with research, policy, program, and community partners including coordinating and chairing collaborator meetings;
- Contribute to report and manuscript writing, knowledge translation products, grants, and ethics review board applications;
- Prepare tables, figures, and reports for end-users, including clinicians, researchers, community-based organizations, public health decision-makers;
- Train, mentor, and DSE staff interested in mathematical modeling; and
- Work with internal and international collaborators on modelling projects.
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Master’s degree in Mathematical Epidemiology, Applied Mathematics, Epidemiology, Statistics, Computer Science or other related field. Holders of Bachelor’s degrees with relevant experience will also be considered.
- At least three years’ relevant experience in modelling systems and/or numerical methods.
- Experience in mathematical dynamic modelling of infectious disease transmission, PK modelling, Non-linear models or agent-based models.
- Experience with economic analyses / economic evaluations / health-economics is an asset.
- Must be fully proficient in the use of R, Python.
- Ability to manage computer programming activities and support analytic operations.
- Experience in Frequentist and Bayesian statistics, and likelihoods.
- Experience with machine-learning and data visualization tools.
- Experience in basic statistical analysis, modelling or scientific computing.
- Good communication skills to describe findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, has attention to detail and a strong analytical mind.
- Demonstrates ability to work both independently and to work collaboratively with internal and external team members, and stakeholders.
- Ability to multi-task, work accurately and effectively to deadlines; has good self-assessment of timing of tasks and ability to set deadlines. Organizational and time management skills to manage and prioritize workload.
- Demonstrate an appreciation of technical and analytic challenges, and learning new approaches and topics.
This position is classified under Nationally Recruited Positions (NRP), Grade V in our scales.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through our recruitment portal
by November 05, 2022.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; shortlisted candidates will be required to have a Police Clearance Certificate.
Cover letters should be addressed to:
The Human Resources Officer
African Population and Health Research Center, Inc
APHRC Campus, Manga Close, off Kirawa Road, Kitisuru
P. O. Box 10787-GPO, Nairobi
Website: www.aphrc.org
APHRC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the protection of vulnerable persons