PhD Position in Vector-Borne Disease Modelling at Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University, a leading research institution in Germany, is offering a PhD position in Vector-Borne Disease Modelling within the Climate-Sensitive Infectious Diseases lab (CSIDlab) at the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR). The CSIDlab, led by Professor Dr. Joacim Rocklöv, specializes in research on vector-borne diseases (VBD) such as West Nile fever, Dengue fever, and Tick-borne diseases, with a particular focus on the impacts of climate change. The group employs advanced statistical, machine learning, and process-based modelling approaches, including the integration of thermal biology mechanisms, to predict disease emergence and outbreak patterns. This position is part of the VBD-MODE consortium, funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), and aims to enhance the modelling and prediction of VBD risks in Germany, estimating current and future disease burdens across multiple pathogens with environmental and climate sensitivity. The successful candidate will develop models for both short-term predictions and long-term scenario simulations, present findings at scientific conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and actively participate in the academic and collaborative environment of the research group. The project offers cross-disciplinary training opportunities, individualized mentoring, and access to development resources at Germany’s oldest university. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Statistics, proficiency in programming languages (R, Python, Julia, MATLAB), and a strong interest in infectious disease dynamics, public health, and climate/environmental sciences. Additional skills in dynamical systems, time series analysis, machine learning, Bayesian statistics, and handling environmental data are advantageous. The position is funded for up to three years, with a salary based on the German public sector remuneration system (TV-L, E13, 75%), and includes a subsidized Deutschlandticket for public transport. The application deadline is November 21, 2025. Heidelberg University is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, encouraging qualified female candidates and those with disabilities to apply.