Postdoc in Modeling of Seasonal Host-parasite Dynamics

Are you an expert in mathematical modeling of population dynamics and/or infectious diseases? Are you experienced with using compartment models (ordinary differential equations, ODEs), such as SEIR models, to understand how spatial and environmental factors impact host populations and/or parasite outcomes? Do you enjoy working in interdisciplinary settings that utilize ecological approaches to tackle questions of important public health outcomes? Do you have a strong inclination for leadership and community building?

The Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) is looking for a highly motivated researcher with strong mathematical modeling training to develop population models (ODE) investigating the understudied role of seasonal dormancy on disease outcomes.

About the position
The position is based in the SNAIL lab, which was by started Dr. Naima Starkloff in July 2024 in the Evolutionary and Population Biology (EPB) Department at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The SNAIL lab uses ecological knowledge to tackle questions of public health importance in human modified landscapes. Ultimately, the goal is to provide insights into intervention methodologies that provide relief to biological and human communities.

Snail-borne diseases, such as schistosomiasis, can be debilitating to humans, livestock and wildlife. However, the risk of contracting these diseases is highly variable across space and time, in part due to their complex life cycles involving many host species. Previous work has looked at how snail-parasite dynamics vary across space and time in rural agricultural ecosystems in Tanzania. These snails have an astounding ability for resilience (prolonged inactivity through dormancy) through harsh dry seasons, which ultimately could benefit or deter the continued transmission of parasites. The question is can we compromise this seasonal resilience to mitigate diseases? The ultimate goal is to provide affected human communities with insights into disease control methods that they want and do not comprise other socioeconomic needs. This modeling project would provide insights into dormancy conditions that could be harnessed for disease control. We work in close collaboration with researchers at the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Mwanza, Tanzania.

What are you going to do?
You will lead the development of ODE models to better understand how spatial and temporal aspects of dormancy ecology of schistosome-transmitting snails impacts disease risk in East Africa. You will use existing datasets to develop models and help design necessary experiments and field data collection to parameterize and improve models. You will work closely with our existing collaborators of over three years in Tanzania, as well as PhDs, and MSc/BSc students to complete this goal.

Task and responsibilities:

• Utilizing field datasets to build on an existing conceptual modeling framework;
• Co-designing field data collection and/or laboratory experiments;
• Conducting statistical analyses;
• Communicating with local and international researchers and stakeholders;
• Writing publications for peer-reviewed journals;
• Mentoring PhDs, and BSc/MSc students;
• Providing leadership and community building in the department and within the international collaboration.

Your profile
Your experience and profile:

• PhD in Mathematical Modeling, Ecology, epidemiology, ecological informatics, environmental science or a closely related field;
• Excellent quantitative skills and experience in scripting/programming (e.g. R, Python);
• Strong background in developing population dynamics models (ODEs);
• Interest, passion and experience in the ecological questions that impact human and/or environmental health and well-being;
• Proficiency in scientific writing;
• Ability to speak and communicate in English at an academic level;
• Willingness to invest in leadership and community building.

Our offer
We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months. The preferred starting date is 1 April 2025. There is a possibility to extend the contract for another 6-12 months upon available funding as well as a positive evaluation of your performance. There are several funding applications for which we can co-write to increase the probability for extending the postdoctoral fellowship.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,378 to € 5,331 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher, Level 4 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with registration at UvA- Housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

Where you will work
The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) is one of eight research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. The research at IBED aims to unravel how ecosystems function in all their complexity, and how they change due to natural processes and human activities. At its core lies an integrated systems approach to study biodiversity, ecosystems and the environment. IBED adopts this systems approach to ecosystems, addressing abiotic (soil and water quality) and biotic factors (ecology and evolution of plants, animals, and microorganisms), and the interplay between those. The IBED vision includes research encompassing experimental and theoretical approaches at a wide variety of temporal and spatial scales, i.e. from molecules and microorganisms to patterns and processes occurring at the global scale. The University of Amsterdam has excellent high performance computing facilities. Furthermore, IBED has a dedicated computational support team with specialized knowledge of bioinformatics, (geo)database management and scientific programming. IBED also works with non-academic partners to deliver transdisciplinary science for society.

Department of Evolutionary and Population Biology. Evolutionary and Population Biology Research in the department of Evolutionary and Population Biology focuses on understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive community dynamics and speciation, and determine biodiversity patterns.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Job application & contact
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 31 January 2025.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;
• a list of publications;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.

(for details: National knowledge security guidelines)

The interviews will be held in the course of 15 February 2025-15 March 2025.

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Naima Starkloff, Assistant Professor, n.c.starkloff@uva.nl

38 hours per week

Science Park 904