JOB POSTING – Senior Data Scientist: Mathematical (Infectious Diseases) Modeler

The Research Group in Mathematical Modeling and Program Science at the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto is looking for a Senior Mathematical (Infectious Diseases) Modeler .

Our research group develops and uses data-intensive mathematical models as experimental frameworks for the strategic design, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs to address epidemics of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Our work takes a team science approach with scholars and expertise across many disciplines, but especially epidemiology, biostatistics, infectious disease modeling, immunology, health economics, anthropology, and critical social science. We work closely with other academics, communities, public health programs, and policymakers.

The primary role of this position will be to collaboratively design and lead studies combining observational study designs and transmission dynamic modeling, and to train and mentor junior modelers. The role involves a high level of scientific independence and responsibility in a co-leadership role with two other Senior Data Scientists in the research group. This role involves working on-site at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, at least twice weekly.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, lead, and carry out transmission dynamics modeling studies using a variety of model types where appropriate, e.g. deterministic compartmental, stochastic individual-based, network modeling etc.
• Design, lead and carry out studies that combine observational study designs and transmission dynamics modeling.
• Design, lead, and carry out Frequentist and Bayesian statistical analyses and model fitting for relevant epidemiological and/or transmission modeling studies.
• Design, develop, and code simulation models and design and execute experiments and analyses with simulation models.
• Work collaboratively with other team members, internal and external collaborators (including epidemiologists, data analysts, community members etc.) for model design development and analyses.
• Maintain documentation and reproducible workflows for all analyses.
• Dissemination activities such as lead-authoring and co-authoring manuscripts, presentations to a range of audiences and knowledge users, e.g. at academic conferences, community members.
• Contribute to planning and funding of research group activities, including leading and supporting scientific funding proposals.
• Train, mentor, and supervise junior modelers and data analysts, including students and more junior staff), e.g. regarding best-practices for coding, validation techniques.
• Communicate and liaise with research, policy, program, and community partners.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD degree in Mathematical Modeling, Epidemiology, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, and/or related discipline. - required.
• Min 5 years’ experience in mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. - required.
• Experience in agent-based modeling and network modeling. - required.
• Expertise in programming in R and Python. - required.
• Expertise using version control tools (e.g. git) and high-performance computing resources. - preferred.
• Expertise in Frequentist and Bayesian statistics (using e.g. Stan, JAGS, etc.), including for model fitting. - required.
• Experience preparing and analyzing different types of data for mathematical modeling. - required.
• Published, as first-author, >2 mathematical modeling studies of infectious disease transmission dynamics - required.
• Experience working with people with lived experience (e.g. patient partners, community partners) as part of the research process. - preferred.
• Experience conducting peer review of manuscripts and project proposals on relevant topics (mathematical modelling of infectious diseases). - preferred.
• Strong knowledge of LaTeX. - preferred.

OTHER SKILLS:

• An aptitude for accuracy, reproducibility, attention to detail.
• Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills.
• Self-directed learner: adapt new analytic approaches relevant to research questions.
• Ability to multi-task, work accurately and effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and remain composed in high-pressure situations.
• Flexible to work beyond the job description at times as work demands.
• Superior organizational and time management skills to manage and prioritize workload.

Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.