Epidemiologist and Data Scientist

About CEPILaunched in 2017, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is an international coalition of governments, academic, philanthropic, private, public, and intergovernmental institutions whose vision is to create a world in which epidemics and pandemics are no longer a threat to humanity. Our mission is to to accelerate the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats so they can be accessible to all people in need. CEPI has played a central role in the global response to COVID-19, creating the world’s largest portfolio of COVID-19 vaccines – two of which are already saving lives around the world - and co-leading COVAX which is delivering equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines to participating economies worldwide. During this period, CEPI has also overseen several scientific breakthroughs in developing vaccines against other infectious diseases, including the first phase 3 trial of a Chikungunya vaccine and the advancement of the first ever Nipah virus and Lassa virus vaccines into phase 1 clinical trials.There is an urgent need to do more to mitigate the immediate threat of COVID-19 variants and to prepare now for the next pandemic. As COVID-19 has demonstrated, emerging infectious diseases represent an existential threat to our way of life. COVID-19 is not the first pandemic of the 21st century, and unless we act now, we can be sure that it will not be the last. But unlike some of the other big threats that humanity faces, we have the tools to systematically reduce and even eliminate the risk of future pandemics. It is vital that we capitalise on the rare alignment of political will, practical experience, and technical and scientific progress emerging from the pandemic to prevent such devastation happening again. CEPI has a US$3.5bn five-year plan to tackle the risk of pandemics and epidemics, potentially averting millions of deaths and trillions of dollars in economic damage. This plan will urgently address the immediate threat of COVID-19 variants so we can bring the COVID-19 pandemic to an end; and enable us to prepare now for future threats. This includes our aim to reduce the vaccine development timeline to a 100-day ‘moonshot’ target and to advance the development of broadly protective vaccines that can protect against COVID-19 and its variants, as well as other known or novel coronaviruses.CEPI is organised as a not-for-profit association under Norwegian Law and has offices in Oslo (HQ), London, and Washington, DC.More details about CEPI and our mission can be found on our website: www.cepi.netAbout the roleCEPI is looking for an Epidemiologist - Data Scientist with experience in various data analysis techniques (e.g. mathematical, statistical, epidemiological), infectious diseases and emerging pathogens to join our growing Epidemiology and Data Science department and more specifically, the Data Science and Advanced Analysis team. The Epidemiology and Data Science department supports CEPI, its partners, and stakeholders by bridging key epidemiological and data knowledge gaps for vaccine development. This will be achieved by: 1) identifying, characterizing, and addressing epidemiological and data knowledge gaps throughout vaccine development; 2) conceptualizing epidemiological and modelling activities to deliver high-impact epidemiological data directly addressing barriers that may impair rapid and equitable vaccine development and access, and 3) providing upstream strategic input and epidemic intelligence to inform pathogen prioritization and vaccine development pathways. The Epidemiology and Data Science department, therefore, ensures that scientific advice, innovation on vaccine evaluation, and public health needs are integrated with product development. Given the cross-functional nature of the epidemiological and modelling activities across the vaccine development value chain, the Epidemiology and Data Science department works in close collaboration with the other departments.The key purpose of the role is to support the delivery of the strategy of the Data Science and Advanced Analysis pillar and plans to further advance the development of CEPI’s vaccine candidate portfolio against our priority pathogens and to support CEPI’s Preparedness and Emergence Response plans. You will need to be highly proactive, self-sufficient, and work well in a team as well as independently. We are looking for candidates that are motivated by CEPI’s mission, have an advanced degree (Masters) in statistics, infectious disease epidemiology with a strong focus on quantitative analysis, data science, or a relevant discipline (e.g. computer science, modelling), with five or more years of experience conducting modelling or analysis for epidemiological research. The post-holder will report directly to the Head of Data Science and Advanced Analysis and work closely with the Senior Epidemiologist and Modeller in the team as well as collaborate across the Epidemiology and Data Science department.Responsibilities-CEPI’s priority disease activities Contribute to the development of priority pathogen-specific strategiesSupport the Head of Data Science and Advanced Analysis and the Senior Epidemiologist and Modeller with ongoing and new projectsProvide timely, reliable, and appropriately analysed data on CEPI’s priority diseases to inform ongoing and future vaccine developmentDevelop and implement relevant data science activities/projects and help identify appropriate external expert partners to conduct projectsClosely collaborate with other R&D departments (incl. Clinical Development, Programmes and Innovative Technology and others) as well as other divisions (incl. Manufacturing & Supply Chain, Preparedness and Response) within CEPIWork in collaboration with the assigned Project Manager to jointly ensure timely deliverables and that projects are managed in an effective way-Data Science support to CEPI’s Preparedness and Emergency Response plansIn close collaboration with the Senior Epidemiologists and Modellers, consolidate, analyse, summarise, and disseminate internal disease monitoring/ outbreak intelligence data from existing surveillance systems for CEPI’s priority pathogens and epidemic threatsSupport CEPI’s efforts to work collaboratively with international stakeholders (e.g. GAVI and KEMRI)-Other duties as assignedEducation, Experience and CompetenceAdvanced degree (Masters) degree in data science, infectious disease epidemiology with a strong focus on quantitative analysis, statistics, or a relevant discipline (e.g. computer science, modelling)At least five years' of related experience with proven international and global health exposure Demonstrated experience, knowledge, competency, and professional skills in various data science methodologies including mathematical modelling, statistical analyses, AI (machine learning) and ability to learn/understand new methodsExperience in Git, Github, and R programming, with proficiency in Excel is essential Willingness to learn other programming languagesDemonstrated knowledge, competency, and professional skills in the public health aspects of infectious disease control, epidemic and pandemic preparedness, and responseExperience in vaccine development/vaccine related research highly desirableHighly proactive in completing tasks and identifying gaps and needsAble to work at pace and adaptively across multiple workstreams in a dynamic environment with strong project and time management skills Demonstrable problem-solving abilities with the ability to identify issues and seek advice as requiredHigh level of self-awareness and ability to collaborate with people cross-functionally and across different geographic regions, in multidisciplinary teamsUnderstanding and sensitivity to international and global interactions Excellent communication and presentation skillsTravel and Location Requirements This position can be based in Oslo (Norway) or London (UK)What we can offer you The opportunity to work together with leading experts on solutions for global challengesExperience in the international effort in developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases and accelerating vaccine development response to outbreaksA diverse and inclusive working environmentHow to applyFor more information on how to apply, please visit: https://cepisites.secure.force.com/careersShould you have any issues submitting your application or have questions please contact jobs@cepi.netBackground verification maybe conducted to verify information provided in the CV and available documentation.Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis for this positionDeadline for receiving applications is 4th April 2023 at 23:59 CET