The Opportunity

Are you a talented researcher eager to undertake real-world mathematical modelling projects in infectious diseases and global health? Then this could be the role for you!

A unique opportunity exists for a Mathematical Modeller to join Burnet’s Modelling & Biostatistics team. You will be part of an innovative global team of experts that are developing and applying epidemiological and costing models around the world across a range of disease areas including COVID-19, HIV, TB, malaria, viral hepatitis, maternal and child health.

Modelling and analytical outputs will be provided to governments, policy makers, and other partners including the World Bank, Global Fund, and international health agencies, to improve health budget investment towards better decision-making and impact around the world.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and apply mathematical models of key health and disease areas, using appropriate epidemiological, statistical, mathematical, and economic techniques.
• Communicate with epidemiologists, public health experts, government officials, and global health and international aid agencies.
• Undertake research projects with a high degree of autonomy.
• Contribute to and produce policy briefs, presentations, training material and documentation, scientific papers, and technical reports.

Refer to the attached position description for full details.

Ideally, we are seeking a full-time appointment based in Melbourne, however we are open to part time arrangements (0.4 – 1.0 FTE) and fully remote working (from anywhere in Australia) with occasional travel to Melbourne. This is an initial 2-year contract with the possibility of extension. Flexibility to manage your own working hours will also be provided.

Let’s talk about you

The following criteria are essential requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in modelling, statistics, physics, computer science, or a similar field. OR; An undergraduate degree in health sciences, biomedicine or a similar field plus experience with data analysis, computing or modelling
• Experience with scientific computing and/or mathematical modelling (proficiency in Python (preferable), Matlab or similar, as well as experience in code management)
• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills

The following experience would be preferable but is not essential:

• Experience in one or more of the following: Disease epidemiology, Health costing and economics, Communicable diseases, Maternal and child health or nutrition

The Burnet experience

We want you to have a successful and meaningful career at Burnet and are committed to providing a supportive workplace environment for all our people. You will be part of a collaborative culture where progressive leadership, innovation, respect, and excellence are valued. Join a team of talented individuals who are passionate about what they do – improving the health of vulnerable communities around the world.

We offer

• A monthly accrued day off for full-time staff
• Flexible working arrangements
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Generous salary packaging
• Opportunities for career and professional development

Who are we?

Burnet Institute is a leading Australian, unaligned, not-for-profit, organisation passionate about social justice, equality and evidence-based research.

Burnet Institute brings together a highly diverse skill base, with more than 400 staff and students working across cutting-edge research and projects to address some of the most relevant global health issues. Institute-wide interdisciplinary health programs Disease Elimination, Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness, and Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health are at the heart of our daily decision making. Harnessing our international and local field presence, our laboratories, and our mixed development and research cultures drives a greater focus on the most relevant health issues and achieves a greater impact as a result.

Whilst our headquarters is in Melbourne, Australia, we also have offices in Papua New Guinea and Myanmar, and are actively involved in research and public health programs throughout Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and Africa. Burnet is the only unaligned organisation in Australia that has dual accreditation with both the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Bring your whole self to work

At Burnet, we foster a diverse and inclusive culture. We want our people to feel like they belong and are free to be themselves at work. We have an active Gender Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (GEDI) Council that works to promote and improve gender equity, diversity and inclusion across the Institute, by developing and implementing strategies informed by both national and international best practice and staff input. Burnet holds an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award from Science in Gender Equity (SAGE).

Sounds great! How do I apply?

Click Apply and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

As part of our commitment to gender equity, we have included a question in the application process on gender. This will allow us to monitor and report on gender in relation to our recruitment process. Burnet is a child safe organisation. The successful applicant will be required to apply for a National Police Check and/or Working with Children. Current Australian working rights are required for all applicants.