PhD position in Vector-Borne Disease Modelling (f/m/d)

PhD position in Vector-Borne Disease Modelling (f/m/d)

Heidelberg University is a comprehensive university with a strong focus on research and international standards. With around 31,300 students and 8,400 employees, including numerous top researchers, it is a globally respected institution that also has outstanding economic significance for the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region.

At the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR) at Heidelberg University, the following position (75%) for up to 3 years is to be filled by 01.01.2026.

The place of employment is Heidelberg, in the Climate-Sensitive Infectious Diseases lab (CSIDlab) at the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR).

The CSIDlab, led by Prof. Dr. Joacim Rocklöv, conducts research with a focus on vector-borne diseases (VBD) in relation to climate change, such as West Nile fever, Dengue fever, and Tick-borne diseases. His group develops and uses approaches for multi driver predictions using statistics and machine learning, as well as process-based models integrating thermal biology mechanisms.

Funded by the ”Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space” (BMFTR), CSIDlab as part of the “Vector-borne disease modelling in Germany – preparing for contemporary and future risk” (VBD-MODE) consortium, is tasked with enhancing modeling and prediction of VBD emergence and outbreak patterns in Germany, and to estimate current and future disease risk and burden across multiple pathogens with environment- and climate-sensitivity.

Your tasks:

• Building a diverse set of models for short-term predictions and the long-term future scenario simulation of VBD
• Including machine learning, statistical, and process-based models
• Present findings at scientific conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals
• Contribute to the academic environment of the research group and participate in training activities
• Co-organize and participate in workshops and other internal and external events

Your profile:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Statistics
• Proficiency in one or multiple programming languages (R, Python, Julia, MATLAB)
• Interest in infectious disease dynamics, public health, global health and climate and environmental sciences.
• An interest in and readiness to engage in transdisciplinary cooperation
• Very good written and oral communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Understanding of dynamical systems, time series models, machine learning, Bayesian statistics, experience in handling environmental and climate data is a merit

We offer:

This position is part of a larger interdisciplinary project involving collaborations between epidemiologists, ecologists, entomologists, and public health experts, providing an excellent opportunity for cross-disciplinary training and impact-driven research, offering

• To Pursue your own doctoral project to obtain a PhD within the project framework.
• A stimulating interdisciplinary and international environment at Germany’s oldest university
• Collaborative networks
• Individualized mentoring; Access to training and development opportunities at Heidelberg University
• Subsidized Deutschlandticket for German public transport

The position is limited up to 3 years, starting 01.01.2026; salaries are based on the German public sector remuneration system (TV-L, E13, 75%).

Application Instructions:

Please submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

• A cover letter describing your background, research interests, and motivation. (max. 1 page)
• A detailed CV
• Academic transcripts
• Contact details for two academic referees

to application.rockloev@iwr.uni-heidelberg.de by email with the subject line: “PhD Application – VBD Modeling” and your name. The application deadline is 21.11.2025.

Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on job advertisements and the collection of personal data is available at www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market.