Postdoctoral position in computational eco-epidemiology

Project Description

This postdoctoral position is funded through a Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) project investigating how major volcanic eruptions and their atmospheric consequences have shaped large-scale historical epidemic events. These include transformative pandemics such as the Plague of Justinian (6th–8th century), the Black Death (14th century), and later plague waves across Europe and Asia.

The project adopts a strongly interdisciplinary and systems-oriented research approach, integrating expertise from applied mathematics, ecology, environmental science, history, climate science, and infectious disease epidemiology. By combining historical datasets, environmental reconstructions, and mechanistic modelling, the project seeks to advance fundamental understanding of how complex environmental perturbations influence infectious disease emergence, spread, and persistence across coupled human–environment systems.

A central component of the project is the development of next-generation process-based eco-epidemiological models that explicitly integrate environmental variability, ecological interactions, and human mobility networks. The project is conducted in close collaboration between Umeå University and Lund University, with opportunities for an international research stay at Heidelberg University, Germany, providing access to a broad interdisciplinary research network.

Work responsibilities

The candidate will lead the development of infection ecology models describing pathogen transmission dynamics across environmental reservoirs, animal hosts, and human populations. The position involves systematic synthesis of existing modelling frameworks and empirical literature, with particular focus on rodent-borne and vector-borne disease systems and their interaction with human mobility and societal connectivity.

The project will further develop predictive modelling frameworks to reconstruct and analyze historical outbreak scenarios associated with major volcanic eruptions and their cascading effects on environmental and biological systems. These analyses will include well-documented historical epidemics such as the Plague of Justinian, the Black Death, and subsequent plague recurrences, alongside other outbreak events associated with large-scale environmental disruptions.

Model outputs will be evaluated and validated using uniquely integrated historical datasets comprising environmental, social, demographic, mobility, and epidemiological information. The successful candidate will contribute to a large interdisciplinary consortium and is expected to actively participate in conceptual development, high-impact scientific publication, and international research collaboration.

Eligibility

Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in a discipline relevant to applied mathematical modelling, ecological modelling, infectious disease epidemiology, or a closely related quantitative field. The doctoral degree must be completed by the time of appointment.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate outstanding analytical and quantitative modelling skills, with strong programming proficiency. Experience with MATLAB, Python, Fortran, or comparable computational environments is highly desirable. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Knowledge of Swedish is not necessary.

Merits

This position is intended as a career-development opportunity for early-career researchers. Priority will be given to candidates who completed their PhD within the past three years. Exceptions may be granted in cases of documented career interruptions, including parental leave, illness, clinical service, union responsibilities, or other relevant professional engagements.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Given the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of the project, demonstrated ability to work across disciplinary boundaries and engage in integrative systems-based research is highly valued. Strong communication skills, initiative, and the ability to contribute to collaborative research environments are essential.

Terms of Employment

The position is a full-time fixed-term appointment for two years, in accordance with the collective agreement for postdoctoral employment.

For further information, please contact:
Joacim Rocklöv, +46 (0)90-786 55 55

Application

The application should include:

• A brief description of your research interests and an explanation of why you are interested in the position.
• CV
• List of publications
• PhD degree certificate and any other relevant degrees
• Contact information for two referees

The application should be written in Swedish or English. Applications must be submitted via our e-recruitment system, Varbi, and received by no later than March 11, 2026.