Vacancy: Scientific Modeller, Animal & Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, Surrey, UK

(shared through Ann Lindberg, Honorary Secretary of SVEPM)

This post will provide scientific programming and mathematical modelling within the Department of Epidemiological Sciences and across the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA). It is part of a small team within the Biomathematics and Risk Research group which provides advanced modelling, software development and scientific computing within the Agency. The job holder will help develop and support important applications including simulation models of animal disease spread, surveillance and management; transformation and classification of molecular biology data; and estimation of epidemiological parameters. The outputs from this work have had major impacts on animal disease control in the UK and its consequences.

The job holder will be expected to acquire and apply advanced expertise in computer programming, modelling, algorithm development, mathematics, and data manipulation, with careful attention to quality assurance approaches such as test-driven development. They must work with epidemiologists, scientists, veterinary advisors and policy advisors effectively and with enthusiasm, communicating clearly to work through complex issues and understanding a wide range of issues related to animal disease.

A degree in a Scientific, Computing or Numeric discipline is essential.

Experience of developing software for mathematical models or algorithms is essential.

Training or experience in Epidemiology or Biology is desirable.

Salary range: £29,970 - £34,760 per annum

Closing date: Friday 14th November 2014.

For information and to apply for the post please see: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi?jcode=1431529.

STATISTICAL PRACTICE IN EPIDEMIOLOGY USING R

Tartu, Estonia, Friday 30 May to Wednesday 4 June 2014

(See also the attached flyer)

The course is intended for epidemiologists and statisticians who wish to use R (www.r-project.org<http://www.r-project.org>) for statistical modelling and analysis of epidemiological data. The aim of the course is to give participants access to a set of tools in current use by statisticians in epidemiology. The course requires fairly good understanding of statistical principles and some familiarity with epidemiological concepts and study types.

The course will be mainly practically oriented with more than half the time at the computer.

Contents:
* History of R. Language. Objects. Functions.
* Interface to other data formats. Data frames.
* Tabulation of data.
* Logistic regression for case-control-studies.
* Poisson regression for follow-up studies.
* Causal inference.
* Parametrization of models.
* Graphics in R.
* Graphical reporting of results.
* Time-splitting &  Standardized Mortality Ratios.
* Survival analysis and competing risks.
* Multi-state models.
* Nested and matched case-control studies.
* Case-cohort studies.

Venue:
Department of Mathematical Statistics
University of Tartu
J. Liivi 2,
EE - 50409 Tartu
Estonia

Price: 550 EUR for academic participants, 800 EUR for non-academic participants
- Includes tuition, course material, lunches, coffee breaks and social events (welcome cocktail and course dinner).
- Excludes travels, accommodation, and other meals

The course is a self-supporting entity, and there are NO grants or stipends available for travel or participation.

Registration: Send an e-mail which briefly states your qualifications in epidemiology and statistics to the organizers
* Bendix Carstensen: BxC@steno.dk<mailto:BxC@steno.dk>
* Esa Läärä: Esa.Laara@oulu.fi<mailto:Esa.Laara@oulu.fi>
* Krista Fischer: Krista.Fischer@ut.ee<mailto:Krista.Fischer@ut.ee>

Deadline for application: 1st April 2014.
Further information to applicants will be given by e-mail shortly after the deadline.

Course homepage: http://BendixCarstensen.com/SPE