Asymptomatic Tuberculosis Transmission in Indonesia and South Africa (ATTIS)

SACEMA is inviting applications from quantitatively skilled candidates for a PhD/Postdoctoral Fellowship in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis. The fellow will contribute to SACEMA’s role in the ATTIS Project, a multi-institutional international collaboration. SACEMA’s contribution focuses on extending a South African epidemiological TB model to incorporate transmission of TB from people with asymptomatic TB disease.

The fellow will be based at SACEMA in Stellenbosch and will work closely with Dr Florian Marx from Heidelberg University in Germany, and Prof Frank Tanser and Dr Cari van Schalkwyk from SACEMA.

Scope of Research:

The fellow will play a key role in SACEMA’s contribution to the project by:

• Support the modelling work package of the ATTIS Project to investigate the role of asymptomatic TB in household and community-level transmission of TB
• Adapting and using an existing TB model developed by SACEMA and partners to simulate the population-level dynamics of TB and asymptomatic TB in high-burden settings and conduct model-based analysis to (1) estimate the fraction of TB in the community that is attributable to asymptomatic TB  transmission, and the epidemiological impact and cost implications of population-level screening and treatment for asymptomatic TB
• Collaborating with international partners and contributing to capacity building by supporting training of local epidemiologists and modellers.
• Participating in meetings with project partners and scientific conferences
• Contributing to publishing and disseminating project outcomes

Requirements for the PhD fellowship:

• A MSc degree (obtained within the past 5 years) in a quantitative discipline relevant to epidemiology, statistics, computer science, or mathematical modelling.
• Basic experience with transmission-dynamic modelling desirable.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to programme in R.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research.
• Excellent communication and academic writing skills.

Requirements for the Postdoctoral research fellowship:

• A PhD degree (obtained within the past 5 years) in a quantitative discipline relevant to epidemiology, statistics, computer science, or mathematical modelling.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to programme in R (experience with microsimulation or individual-based models is highly desirable).
• Experience in infectious disease or health systems modelling, ideally including TB.
• Demonstrated ability to lead independent research and to contribute effectively within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication and academic writing skills, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Deadline for applications: 19 October 2025

Submission of the application materials in response to this request will be the first of a three-stage application and selection process. Only candidates under further consideration will advance to each subsequent stage. The second stage will include an assessment of selected applicants’ problem-solving ability. The third stage will include an in-person interview.

Postdoctoral fellows are not appointed as employees, and as their fellowships are awarded tax-free, they are not eligible for employee benefits. The University reserves the right NOT to make an appointment if suitable candidates do not apply.