Postdoctoral Researcher in System Dynamics Modeling for Pandemic Preparedness

At the Faculty of Business and Economics (FEB) at KU Leuven, the Access-To-Medicines (ATM) Research Centre is involved in offering insights and decision support on topics like access to vaccines, medicines, diagnostics, and information to improve health and wellbeing (SDG3) in an equitable and sustainable way. Our multidisciplinary research team led by dr. Catherine Decouttere and Prof. Nico Vandaele aims to contribute to public health and One Health challenges with a focus on infectious diseases, neglected tropical diseases, pandemic preparedness, and chronic diseases in Africa and Europe. The ATM’s team of PhD- and post-doc researchers represents a diversity of backgrounds that are applied to the modeling of health systems, medicine development and manufacturing, health-seeking behavior, public health and health impact. Our research approach is based on systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, and simulation modeling of complex systems in order to reach effective health impact.

Responsibilities
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• Develop and elaborate system dynamics models to simulate pandemic preparedness capacity in Europe and to design and assess intervention strategies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including epidemiologists, public health experts, and policymakers, to integrate diverse data sources, field-specific model output and expert insights into the system dynamics models.
• Interpret model outputs and create interactive dashboards to support policymakers and other stakeholders in identifying leverage points and interventions leading to impactful and sustainable preparedness and response strategies in Europe.
• Propose evidence-based recommendations for preparedness and response.
• Prepare and present research findings in academic journals, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
• Mentor PhD students and foster scientific exchange with fellow researchers at ATM, contribute to grant writing.

Profile
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• Experience in modeling infectious diseases or public health systems.
• Familiarity with data integration and model integration techniques, including spatial models.
• Knowledge of policy analysis and decision-making processes in public health.
• PhD. in System Dynamics, Bio-(medical)engineering, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Public Health, Epidemiology, Operations Research or a related field.
• Strong background in system dynamics modeling and computational simulation modeling.
• Experience with coding languages and software tools such as R, Stella Architect, Vensim or AnyLogic.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Offer
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We offer full-time research associate position in Leuven for one year, with a possibility to prolong. Start date is as soon as possible.
You will work with international research institutions, organizations and stakeholders. The historic university, founded in 1425, has a top research and teaching standard (http://www.kuleuven.be/english). KU Leuven features consistently in Europe’s top-15 universities and has been elected by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe for four years in a row.

Interested?
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Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter outlining their research interests and relevant experience and a detailed CV, including a list of publications and professional references.
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.
Contact Information: For inquiries about the position, please contact dr. Catherine Decouttere ([email protected]) and prof. dr. Nico Vandaele ([email protected])
We look forward to receiving your application!
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.