Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Opportunity This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. JOB SUMMARY We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled research scientist to join our team and conduct cutting-edge research on disease dynamics and epidemiological modeling. The candidate will develop and apply mathematical and computational models to understand the transmission, evolution, and control of infectious diseases. They will collaborate with other researchers, public health agencies, and stakeholders to provide insights and guidance for disease prevention and intervention strategies. The candidate will join the Machine Intelligence Group for the Betterment of Health and the Environment (MIGHTE) led by Prof. Mauricio Santillana. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS PhD in a quantitative field such as mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science, engineering, epidemiology, or related disciplines; Strong background and experience in mathematical and computational modeling of infectious disease dynamics, preferably with applications to emerging or re-emerging diseases; Proficiency in programming languages such as R, Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar tools for data analysis and model development; Experience in working with large and complex datasets from diverse sources such as surveillance systems, genomic sequences, social media, etc.; Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both scientific and non-scientific audiences; and Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and interdisciplinary research environment. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES Research and Analysis (50%) Design, develop, and implement mathematical and computational models for disease transmission dynamics Analyze large-scale epidemiological datasets using statistical and machine learning methods Conduct systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses on disease dynamics topics Develop and validate predictive models for disease outbreak scenarios Perform sensitivity analyses and uncertainty quantification for model parameters Collaborate on multi-disciplinary research projects with epidemiologists, clinicians, and public health experts Data Management and Computational Work (10%) Clean, process, and manage complex epidemiological and clinical datasets Develop and maintain computational pipelines for data analysis workflows Create reproducible research code and documentation using version control systems Implement quality assurance protocols for data integrity and analysis accuracy Maintain databases and ensure compliance with data security and privacy regulations Scientific Communication and Dissemination (20%) Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals Present research findings at national and international conferences Create visualizations and infographics to communicate complex results to diverse audiences Write technical reports and policy briefs for stakeholders and funding agencies Contribute to grant proposals and funding applications Collaboration and Mentorship (10%) Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary research teams Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research methods and analysis Participate in laboratory meetings, journal clubs, and departmental seminars Engage with external collaborators, including government agencies and international organizations Contribute to the development of new research initiatives and partnerships Professional Development and Service (10%) Stay current with advances in disease dynamics, epidemiological methods, and computational tools Attend workshops, conferences, and training programs to enhance technical skills Participate in peer review processes for scientific journals Contribute to departmental and institutional service activities Develop independent research projects that align with laboratory and institutional goals Position Type Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 108S Expected Hiring Range: $59,425.00 - $83,935.00 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change. Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The systemwhich includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwideserves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The universitys residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeasterns personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectorsaligned around solving todays highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.