Health Service Modelling and Simulation University of Exeter Medical School in United Kingdom

The University of Exeter Medical School is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Peninsula Collaboration for Health, Operational Research and Data Science (PenCHORD). This full-time research position is split between two major initiatives: the UKRI Medical Research Council funded STARS project (Sharing Tools and Artefacts for Reproducible Simulations in healthcare) and the Health Service Modelling Associates (HSMA) programme. The STARS project is an Open Science initiative aimed at increasing the quantity and quality of computer simulation models available for reuse by health researchers and the NHS.

The successful candidate will conduct advanced research using Open Weight Local Large Language Models (such as Llama3 and Phi4) and commercial models (such as Claude 3.7 and Gemini 2.5) to develop new methods for generating simulation models of healthcare pathways in Python. The HSMA programme is a national online training scheme for public sector analysts, clinicians, and managers, focusing on data science and operational research techniques. The post holder will support high-impact applied data science projects, such as A&E modelling and reducing delayed hospital discharges, and will contribute to teaching, mentoring, and content development for HSMA.

The position requires a high aptitude for learning new technologies, strong coding skills in Python and/or R, experience with Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), and familiarity with workflow tools like Git, Github, Quarto/Rmarkdown, or JupyterBook. Applicants should have experience producing academic journal articles and a working knowledge of data science research processes from a quantitative discipline.

A Masters degree in Health Data Science, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics/Engineering, or Medical Sciences is required, along with either a Ph.D. or equivalent experience. The PenCHORD team offers training and support in advanced simulation methods, Linux, FOSS infrastructure, and academic writing. The position is available immediately and is fixed-term until March 2026, with full funding provided by the UKRI Medical Research Council.

For further information, candidates are encouraged to contact Thomas Monks or Dr Daniel Chalk via email.