Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d): Webportal development for optimization of SARS-CoV-2 testing

As member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers, the HZDR employs about 1,200 people. The Center's focus is on interdisciplinary research in the areas energy, health and matter.

The Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS)  invites applications as Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d): Webportal development for optimization of SARS-CoV-2 testing strategies

The position will be available from now. The employment contract is limited until 31.12.2022.

The Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS) is a German-Polish research center for data-intensive digital systems research. We combine innovative methods from mathematics, theoretical systems research, simulations, data science, and computer science to provide solutions for a range of disciplines - materials science under ambient and extreme conditions, earth system research, systems biology, and autonomous vehicles.

CASUS was jointly founded in August 2019 by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, the Technical University of Dresden and the University of Wroclaw. CASUS is located in the heart of Görlitz at the border between Germany and Poland. The CASUS start-up phase is hosted by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and is financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Saxon State Ministry of Science and Art.

The Earth System Science department seeks a postdoctoral researcher interested in designing an open and extensible web platform to identify optimal policies for using limited SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity.

Job Background and Scope:

The postdoctoral researcher will be part of a team studying how to optimally deploy limited testing capacity in an emerging epidemic. This position will focus on developing an open web platform for test strategy optimization and modeling. The initial focus will be on the state of Saxony, with subsequent expansion to the rest of Germany and possibly other countries. The successful candidate will work closely with other team members that will develop the datasets, models, and optimization algorithms underpinning the web platform. The web platform will provide end users with flexibility to define their own optimization goals. Importantly, the platform must be produced with a continuous development/deployment strategy to make early versions available as soon as possible, with subsequent versions building in scope and refinement.

Tasks:

• Develop an open web platform for constrained optimization of testing strategies
• Employ continuous development/deployment strategies to make the platform available early and then expand it over time
• Work directly with public health experts and other stakeholders to refine the platform
• Work with our team to facilitate a coordinated approach to optimizing testing locations and strategies
• Publish results in academic, peer-reviewed journals
• Present results at scientific meetings

Requirements:

• PhD in software development, computer science, or a related field
• Excellent programming skills in languages such as R (and RShiny), Python, and Javascript
• Strong motivation to work in a collaborative environment
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Experience in epidemiology and/or public health is advantageous but is not required

We offer:

• A vibrant research community in an open, diverse, and international work environment
• Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
• The employment contract is limited to three years with the possibility of longer-term prospects
• Salary and social benefits in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement TvöD-Bund
• 30 vacation days per year
• Company pension scheme (VBL)
• A good work/life balance for which we offer assistance in the form of:
  • Possibility to work part-time
  • Flexible working hours
  • In-house health management

Kindly submit your completed application (including cover letter, CV, diplomas/transcripts, etc.) only via our Online-application-system.

For any questions, do not hesitate to ask:
Dr. Michael Bussmann Tel.: +49 3581 37523 11,
+49 351 260 2616,
Prof. Dr. Justin Calabrese Tel.: +49 3581 37523 71,
Mrs. Inken Köhler Tel.: +49 3581 37523 10,
Mrs. Weronika Mazur Tel.: +49 3581 37523 23,
+49 171 3635554

Deadline: Until the position is filled

Place of work:
Görlitz

Working hours:
39 h/week

Job-Id: 95/2020 (1016)

The HZDR is committed to equal opportunity employment and we strongly encourage applications from qualified female candidates. We also carefully consider all applications from job candidates with severe disabilities.

Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf
Bautzner Landstraße 400
01328 Dresden