Postdoctoral researcher modelling (mis)information and infectious disease spread

The COVID-19 pandemic showed that viral (mis)information about the outbreak can spread as easily as the virus itself. Such an ‘infodemic’ can influence people’s attitude and behavior regarding the prevention and transmission of infectious diseases. To prepare for the next pandemic, this study aims to increase our understanding of the relationship between infodemic (information) and pandemic (infection) dynamics. The TRENDING project studies the interplay between information exposure and infectious disease transmission. The aim is to develop a mathematical model combining this interplay using real-life data. This model will estimate the impact of different infodemic interventions on the number of new infections.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be involved in designing and developing a mathematical model taking into account infectious disease and (mis)information transmission. Your main responsibilities are:

• To develop a deterministic compartment model that describes transmission of a respiratory infection and the interplay with (mis)information;
• To calibrate the model to real-life contact and information seeking data (these data will be collected within the TRENDING project, through a survey conducted by a junior researcher);
• To analyse the impact of various infodemic management interventions;
• To publish your research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
• To collaborate in a multidisciplinary team consisting of modelers, epidemiologists, infodemic specialists, behavioral scientists and computational social scientists.

We are looking for a PhD graduate in computational modelling, with strong analytical and programming skills and an interest in public health. Specifically you have:

• A recently completed PhD in computational modelling, preferably in the field of population biology or infectious disease epidemiology;
• A proven strong interest in infectious diseases, behavioural science, or multidisciplinary research;
• Experience in statistics and handling large datasets;
• Advanced programming skills, preferably in R;
• Good communication skills and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment;
• Enthusiasm about working in public health and infectious diseases and motivation to work on an innovative project for pandemic preparedness;
• Good command of the English language, both verbally and in writing.

You will be employed by the Research BV, belonging to the Amsterdam UMC, but will work at the Infectious Diseases Department of the Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam). You will work with an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam), in collaboration with the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the World Health Organization (WHO) and academic partners (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC).

GGD Amsterdam is the largest and oldest public health service in the Netherlands. At GGD Amsterdam, about 1,200 professionals work for the 900,000 inhabitants of the municipalities of Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Uithoorn, Ouder-Amstel, Diemen and Aalsmeer. GGD Amsterdam actively monitors and promotes the health and safety of the population. We want to reduce health inequalities and promote self-reliance to improve participation. GGD Amsterdam is a workplace where you can be who you are.

The Research and Prevention Development team of the Infectious Diseases Department conducts epidemiological and social science research in the field of HIV, STIs, SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious diseases in close collaboration with university partners. The team has structural collaboration with the Amsterdam UMC through the collaborative academic practice (Sarphati Initiatief). The team is multidisciplinary and consists of about 20 employees, including PhD students, research nurses, data managers, post-doc and senior researchers. Our work is well known both nationally and internationally. Our primary goal is to guide and substantiate public health practice and policy with the outcomes of research.