Job Purpose

You will contribute to/ lead a project “Comprehensive assessment of the biology and public health importance of Anopheles stephensi in Africa (AnoSTEP Africa)” working with Prof Heather Ferguson and Prof Fredros Okumu at the University of Glasgow, and partners Dr Samson Kiware (Ifakara Health Institute) and Dr Eric Ochomo (Kenyan Medical Research Institute).

The candidate will contribute to/ lead the development and implementation of quantitative analysis and statistical modelling to support the project’s aims of assessing the contribution of An. stephensi to malaria transmission relative to native malaria vectors across a range of ecological zones spanning rural, peri-urban, and urban epidemiological settings in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria, with the aim of pinpointing factors driving invasion. You will work closely with our partners in African countries where An. stephensi has been detected to co-develop and implement the analysis plan for their data sets on mosquito vector ecology, dynamics and behaviour. You will use results from ongoing entomological research in these countries to develop and use a range of models to estimate the contribution of An. stephensi relative to native malaria vector species to transmission in study settings.  You will use these analytical frameworks to investigate a range of questions about the future spread and control of this invasive vector in East Africa, including (i) estimating the degree to which current surveillance and control strategies cover An. stephensi, (ii) assessing the potential impact of integrated vector management strategies for An. stephensi and native vectors in urban settings in Africa.

The candidate will also provide training and technical support to researchers and PhD students from partner research institutes who are leading entomological field research; to strengthen capacity for data analysis and statistical modelling.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:

1.  Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly relating to incorporating entomological data from study sites into quantitative frameworks for prediction of the contribution of An. stephensi to malaria transmission, and optimising surveillance and control for this and other native vector species in urban settings.

2.  Build relationships and collaborate closely with entomologists working at partner institutions in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania to understand data analysis support needs and co-develop analysis strategies.

3.  Provide technical support for entomological data analysis for researchers at partners institutes as required.

4.  Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

5.  Contributes to the profile of the Vector Ecology Research Group at the University of Glasgow through contributing to and leading the publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed publications

6.  Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

7.  Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

8.  Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

9.  Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.

10. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

11. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

12.  Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

13.  Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

14.  Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Director of School/PI.

15.  Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

For appointment at grade 7:

16    Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues.

17    Take a leading role in identifying and implementing appropriate quantitative analysis approaches

18    Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

19    Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1. SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline (e.g epidemiology, entomology, vector-borne diseases, quantitative ecology)

A2. Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of quantitative analysis and modelling of mosquito vector populations and malaria transmission

A3. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of mosquito vector-borne diseases, malaria epidemiology and statistical and mathematical modelling

For appointment at grade 7:

A4 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

Skills

Essential:

C1. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of mosquito vector ecology, malaria transmission, and vector control interventions

C2. Knowledge of project-specific technical skills including quantitative approaches to analyse malaria vector surveillance data and predict malaria transmission.

C3. Willingness to work with and visit collaborators at partner institutes in East and West Africa, and actively participate in the training of postgraduate students.

C4. Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate

C5. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely

C6. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach

C7. Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills

C8. Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate

C9. Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working

C10. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

For appointment at grade 7:

C11 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism

C12 Knowledge of project specific technical models, equipment or techniques

C13 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher

Experience

Essential:

E1 Experience in conducting research involving quantitative analyses of entomological and/or vector-borne disease data

E2. Experience in undertaking independent research related to quantitative ecology or epidemiology; including the use of statistical or mathematical models

E3. Experience and proficiency in the use of relevant software for statistical and mathematical modelling

E4. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

For appointment at grade 7:

E5 Evidence of a track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E6 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E7 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E8 Experience in undertaking independent research

Desirable :

F1 Experience of conducting quantitative analyses and modelling of African malaria vectors and malaria transmission

F2 Experience working with multiple partners either in academia or in malaria endemic countries

F3 An emerging national or international reputation

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria.

Our School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our Athena Swan Silver award demonstrates our commitment to best practice in recruiting and supporting the career development and progression of female scientists, addressing gender inequalities in higher education.  The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) employment in academia. https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/bohvm/athenaswan/

The College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS) has 8 Schools that bring staff together around thematic strengths, across the strategic pillars of education, research and innovation.  More information on the College can be accessed here: MVLS College Futures 2033

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £33,951 - £37,694 / £41,064 - £46,049 per annum

This post is full time and open ended with funding available for up until 36 months from the start date.

Informal query can be made by contacting directly Heather Ferguson at Heather.Ferguson@glasgow.ac.uk

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing date: 23:45 on Thursday 16th October 2025