The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is a Ugandan not-for-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen health systems in Africa, with strong emphasis on infectious diseases, through research and capacity development. IDI has six operational areas through which it works to achieve its mission: Prevention, Care and Treatment; Training, Research, Laboratory services (including the CAP-certified IDI Core Lab & Translational Lab), Global Health Security and Health
System Strengthening.
In 2021, we were awarded a grant by the Global South AI4COVID Program titled “End-to-end AI and data systems for targeted surveillance and management of COVID-19 and future pandemics affecting Uganda (COAST). The Modeling and forecasting workstream which is part of the project is tasked to build statistical and mathematical forecasting models to aid in real-time tracking of
COVID-19 spread and associated risks so as to inform regional and population specific interventions. The workstream also aims to evaluate government responses to mitigate the epidemic. We wish to recruit a junior modeler who will work with the senior modeler to achieve the objects of the modelling workstream and those of the overall COAST project.

The primary role of this position will be to work on developing and calibrating statistical and mathematical / simulation models for COVID-19 projections and developing figures and data visualization approaches from simulations. The position will focus on time series models (e.g.,
ARIMA, ETS and dynamical models), generalized linear models, compartmental and stochastic mathematical models for COVID-19. Responsibilities include coding mathematical models (preferably in R/Rstudio software), reading in data and writing outputs, writing model fitting algorithms, and running model simulations using R/Rstudio and developing dashboards.

In order to contribute to achievement of the above objectives, IDI wishes to recruit a motivated and competent individual for the position of Junior Data Modeler as indicated to fill the vacancies below:

Job Title : Junior Data Modeler
Vacancy Code : JDMX001
Classification : Full time
Reporting : Head Data and Modelling Work Stream head
Duty Station : Kampala

Job Summary:
The Junior Data Modeler position requires a deep understanding of probability distributions; compartmental, stochastic and dynamical systems modeling; and reproducible data science in general. The position involves self-directed learning and a desire to learn new approaches relevant to research questions, and a motivation to help make mathematical modeling a transparent and inclusive process with knowledge-users.

Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and adapt/modify mathematical models of COVID-19 transmission: deterministic, stochastic.
• Importing and exporting large sets of raw and synthetic data files for use in statistical analysis and modelling.
• Manipulate, transform and merge data from multiple data sets
• Perform literature reviews supported by information specialists and epidemiologists, to identify model parameters
• Perform descriptive and exploratory statistical analysis of individual-level or aggregate-level data to parameterize transmission models
• Perform model fitting (parameter estimation) for mathematical models
• Prepare tables, figures, and reports for end-users, including researchers, community-based organizations, public health decision-makers
• Validation of code and models to ensure algorithms are complete, reproducible, accurate and of high quality prior to analysis
• Maintain high quality coding practices, version control, and documentation of coding for reproducibility
• Efficiently identify and correct syntax and programming logic errors in all code.
• Contribute to report and manuscript writing and other knowledge translation products
• Development of data visualization dashboards
• Build predictive and statistical forecasting models and evaluating modelling predictions.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:
• Data management and wrangling/pre-processing such as cleaning, structuring, transformation, merging, identifying extreme values (outliers), identifying gaps in data (missing values) and associated imputation approaches.
• Knowledge of Statistical data analysis including graphical presentations of data, programming, data processing, statistical and mathematical modelling with R software.
• Report writing and presentation
• Time series analysis
• Mathematical and statistical modelling including conceptualization, creation and analysis of mathematical and statistical models
• Data science and big data analysis
• Experience in at least one programming language especially R software

Qualification requirements:
• At least an undergraduate degree in a numerate or analytical discipline such as statistics, mathematics, data science, mathematical epidemiology, epidemiology, ecology or related discipline
• Strong statistics and mathematical background
• Relevant experience in mathematical modeling of infectious disease transmission especially COVID-19 is not required but is an added advantage.
• Proficient in R programming.
• Experience in Frequentist and Bayesian statistics, and likelihoods
• Experience with machine-learning and data visualization an asset

Candidates that meet the above criteria and have what it takes to excel in this position should send their CVs, including details of email address, present position, current remuneration,
Certificate/testimonials and address of three (3) Referees plus telephone contact to the stipulated email address not later than 23rd, November 2021. Please follow this link
https://idi.mak.ac.ug/hrms to apply for the position above.

Key Notes:
• IDI is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a recruitment fee or any other fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
• Internal candidates who meet the required specifications and have worked with IDI for a period of at least one year will be given priority.
• Make sure that your application letter, CV and certificates are attached as one PDF document.
• Indicate the Vacancy Code as the subject line of your email.
• Please note that if you DO NOT indicate the vacancy code as instructed above, your application will not be considered.
• Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The Senior Human Resource Manager
Infectious Diseases Institute — IDI Knowledge Centre, Makerere University Main Campus
College of Health Sciences, Makerere University
P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda