PhD Studentship in Modelling and Inference for Mosquito-Borne Disease Elimination

Applications are invited for one PhD position in “Modelling and Inference for Mosquito-Borne Disease Elimination” at the Department of Statistics, University of Warwick. The successful applicant will be part of an exciting new project on mosquito-based surveillance and data-driven modelling for neglected tropical diseases, funded by the Royal Society and supervised by Dr Emma Davis. 

Eligibility 

All applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or statistics, or in a subject containing a substantial mathematical component. The minimum entry requirement is a 2:1 class degree or equivalent grades from universities outside the UK. All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and exceptions can be made in particular cases, for example an applicant with practical experience within their employment which is relevant to PhD research. 

We welcome students of all genders, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Funding

The successful applicant will have PhD fees covered as well as a receiving an annual stipend at the Royal Society rate for four years (for 24/25 this will be £20,034), provision of a laptop, a generous travel budget (£2,000 per annum), and further training opportunities. 

The Project 

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) transmitted by mosquitoes, which has been targeted for elimination by the World Health Organization and can cause permanent disability if left untreated. However, surveillance challenges arise at low prevalence from increased sample size requirements and reduced community engagement. In these settings, it may be possible to use mosquito-based surveys to draw conclusions about human transmission and infection, but there is limited understanding in how mosquito data should be interpreted. 

This project will involve developing and validating a novel mosquito feeding cycle model, which will then be incorporated into a full transmission model framework. Using a combination of deterministic and stochastic methods, including Bayesian model fitting, this project will aim to quantify the relationship between human and mosquito prevalence using data from a range of settings (e.g. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Togo).

There is scope for international travel and engagement with stakeholder groups, such as the World Health Organization, based on student interest.

How to apply

Applicants should apply directly to the Warwick PhD admissions portal, specifying the Statistics Department and quoting “VECTOR-X” (in personal statement and source of funding). Applicants are advised to apply before August 1^st 2024. After this date, applicants are still welcome to apply but the position may have already been filled.

Applicants with expertise or demonstrable interest in infectious disease modelling are especially encouraged to apply.

Essential criteria:

1. Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
2. Fluency in at least one programming language (e.g. R, Python, C++, Matlab).
3. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Desirable criteria:

1. Prior research experience (including extended project/dissertation).
2. Competency in any of the following areas:
   1. Bayesian inference
   2. Mathematical modelling
   3. Working with real-world data (especially medical data)

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