Job Title

Job Purpose To design and implement network and epidemiological models that simulate wastewater flow and disease transmission patterns, ultimately evaluating the operational and public health impact of Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance programs in India.Job Outline This position provides an excellent opportunity for extensive hands‐on research experience modelling wastewater networks and disease transmission in a population and cost-effectiveness analysis.The Research Associate will be responsible for (i) developing transmission / epidemiological and network models, (ii) studying the wastewater and environmental surveillance on the field and using those observations to inform the models, (iii) collecting primary and secondary data to inform model calibration, and (iv) writing project reports and policy memos. The work will enhance your analytical and management skills and require your full commitment.About the project: The Gates Foundation is funding a comprehensive evaluation of the budgetary implications and cost-effectiveness of wastewater surveillance (WES) programs in LMICs. This evaluation will focus on the operational and financial aspects of implementing WES and its potential public health benefits. The primary objective is (i) To estimate the financial investment needed for establishing and sustaining WES programs and (ii) To explore how WES data can inform public health responses. The study will use primary and secondary data to assess current financial investments in WES, operational feasibility in different urban contexts, and the cost-effectiveness of various WES designs. Primary data will be collected through site visits and interviews with stakeholders in existing government and NGO-led WES initiatives. Secondary data for the network model and funding pathway will be collected from existing literature on pathogen transmission and healthcare costs.Job SpecificationKnowledge / EducationBachelor's in Engineering / Mathematics or Masters in Public Health/ Operations Research / EpidemiologyGraduates from other disciplines may also be considered if they have relevant experience and can demonstrate the relevant skills.Specific SkillsExperience with advanced analytics methods, modelling tools and programming languages such as R, Python, MATLAB, or other relevant softwarePrior experience in mathematical modelling, both epidemiological /transmission as well as network modelling, and strong skills in simulation techniquesFamiliarity with geospatial data and mapping tools (e.g., GIS) and skilled in using GIS mapping techniques for the purpose of disease modellingExcellent project management and organizational skillsMeticulous attention to detailAbility to plan tasks for teams, monitor progress, and make corrections to plans and adapt quickly to project needsAbility to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given prescribed routines, and standard accepted practicesCapability to manage multiple tasks efficientlyMust be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitudeDesirable ExperienceDemonstrated ability to communicate research findings to academic and non-academic audiences.Job Interface/Relationships:Internal MIHM Research and Admin teamOther departments include Grants, Finance, Legal, and IT. ExternalGrantor research/programme team Vendors & Consultants Sub-grantees/data collection agencies IRB Boards, governments, other stakeholders Key ResponsibilitiesModel DevelopmentDevelop and calibrate epidemiological and wastewater network models to simulate disease transmission and pathogen flows.Integrate field observations into model design to enhance accuracy and relevance.Data Collection and AnalysisCollect and process primary and secondary data from diverse sources, including field observations, municipal data, municipal maps on sewerage networks, and public datasets, to inform model parameters.Analyze data to refine model outputs and ensure they align with project objectives.Field Study and ObservationsConduct fieldwork to study Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance (WES) processes and collect data for model validation.Reporting and DocumentationPrepare project reports, policy memos, and other documentation summarizing model findings and their implications.Communicate results effectively for integration into broader project deliverables.CollaborationWork closely with senior researchers, modelling analysts and policy analysts to ensure alignment of models with the overall project framework and objectives.Any Other Significant InputSend an email to with the subject line /"Application for Research Associate (Modelling) – WES/" with a copy of your CV and academic transcripts. Any evidence of written work and references by academics would be a strong positive. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. You will be contacted only in case you are shortlisted for an interview.