Research Fellow (106446-1025)

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Mike Tildesley at mike.tildesley@warwick.ac.uk.

We invite applications for a Research Fellow position in the Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology in the School of Life Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Warwick.

The successful candidate will be employed to mathematical models to simulate the spread of livestock and crop diseases in the UK to explore the potential for cross system models to be developed to be used for emerging outbreaks. In particular, the successful candidate will work closely with our colleagues Oregon State University upon the development of a cross system modelling framework for spatially spreading livestock and crop disease systems.

In addition to the research outlined above, the post will include collaboration with policy makers from the UK and the USA, such as Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the US Department of Agriculture. The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant subject (e.g. mathematics, biology or veterinary science).

The person appointed to this post will be required to work with and support other members in the research group so is required not only to work independently, but be team-orientated.

The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER)

You will join the SBIDER group in the School of Life Sciences and the Mathematics Institute at Warwick University. We are a diverse group of interdisciplinary scientists who develop models of biological systems and work closely with policy makers and stakeholders in the UK and around the world.

For more information about SBIDER visit https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/zeeman_institute/

We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences.

Diversity Statement

• As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing gender equality under the Athena Swan chartermark, we would particularly encourage and welcome applications from female academics.

Contract Duration

• There is funding to appoint a Research Fellow on a full-time, fixed-term basis for up to 22.5 months.

• The duration may need to be shortened up to a max 19 months depending on the starting salary of the successful candidate. 

• Any extension beyond 31 August 2027 is subject to approval from the funder (BBSRC).

The postholder will undertake research in the Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology, supporting the work of the centre.

The PDRA will work closely with the project investigator, Professor Michael Tildesley, as well as collaborators at Oregon State University.

The purpose of this position is to develop models of livestock and drop disease to develop a cross system modelling framework. The PDRA will work closely with policy makers at the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the US Department of Agriculture.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

For further information about the School of Life Sciences, please see our website.

We believe that collegiality, openness, inclusivity and diversity are essential for an excellent research and teaching environment. Our workplace ethic has enabled us to gain the Athena SWAN Silver award.

We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all groups with protected characteristics traditionally under-represented in STEM fields. As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing gender equality under the Athena Swan chartermark, we would particularly encourage and welcome applications from female academics.

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Tuesday 09 December 2025 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV should include:

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your cover letter should explain:

• The reasons for your interest in this post.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

This information will be used in the shortlisting process and without this evidence we may not be able to shortlist your application. Please note that if you do not evidence the essential requirements, we may not be able to shortlist your application.

You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: As soon as possible

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.