Scientific Assistant / PhD Student (d/f/m) in AI-Driven Integration of Behavioural Data for Disease Modelling
Work time
part-time
Start date
Ab sofort
Employment period
limited
Application deadline
06.04.2025
Deployment location Charité
Campus Charité Mitte
Jobcode
4409
Salary group
E13
Working at the Charité
The Charité Centre for Global Health seeks a scientific Assistant to investigate how artificial intelligence could transform our approach to behavioural modelling in infectious diseases. Major social contact surveys (such as POLYMOD and CoMix) and narrative reports from outbreaks contain detailed behavioural information that current modelling approaches rarely utilise fully. The project will explore potential advances in two complementary directions: using AI to enhance how we collect behavioural data through intelligent interview techniques, and investigating methods to translate such behavioural insights into realistic agent-based models. A key focus will be developing rigorous approaches to assess these new tools against existing methods.
Job Overview
- Develop methods to enhance both data collection and behavioural modelling
- Creating AI-assisted interview systems for contact surveys
- Exploring adaptive questioning techniques
- Investigating automated validation approaches
- The research will also examine how such enriched behavioural data could be used to develop more realistic AI agents for disease modelling, potentially transforming how we represent human behaviour in epidemiological simulations
- The specific research direction will be shaped by the candidate's interests and emerging opportunities in the field, with emphasis on producing both methodological advances and practical tools for the modelling community
- Scientific staff is given sufficient time to carry out their own scientific work in accordance with their employment relationship (in accordance
with § 110 BerlHG)
Required:
Essential requirements:
- A master's degree in Epidemiology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field with strong computational focus
- Strong programming skills in Python or R
- Understanding of mathematical modelling principles
- Interest in behavioural science and social dynamics
- Experience with data analysis and validation methods
- Strong English communication skills
- Knowledge of research ethics
Desirable qualities:
- Experience with AI/ML implementations
- Knowledge of infectious disease modelling
- Understanding of agent-based approaches
- Background in behavioural data collection
- Experience with survey methodology and evaluation
- Experience with collaborative coding
- Interest in public health applications
Advantages at the Charité
- Opportunities to explore innovative approaches to both behavioural data collection and agent-based modelling, with potential to shape future directions in infectious disease simulation through novel computational approaches. The successful candidate will contribute to establishing robust frameworks for the use of these emerging methodologies
- A highly professional collaboration within a motivated and interdisciplinary team
- A future-oriented, varied and challenging job with high levels of personal responsibility and personal freedom of action
- Inter-cultural team events, well-structured onboarding with friendly colleagues
- Extensive free continuing education and training opportunities up to and including university studies
- Discounts on various offerings for employees, for example shopping, travel, sports
- Charité has been certified as a family-friendly university and family-friendly company since 2007
Job Information
- Salary group E13 according to TVöD- VKA- K. The classification is based on qualification, the respective experience level is calculated from the years of professional experience. The annual salary (gross) is given for a full-time position without annual bonus, allowances and additional services. You can find the collective agreement here
- The working time is part-time with 25 hours per week
- At our company 30 days of vacation are standard
The position is limited until 30.06.2027, as it is tied to the project duration
The application deadline is on: 06.04.2025
Reference number: DM.46.25 / 4409
Application
Apply using our online tool and become part of the Charité.
Apply nowFor further questions please contact:
Dr. Billy Quilty
billy.quilty@charite.de
To be considered, the applicant will need to submit a 2-page cover letter outlining a point-by-point response on how their qualifications
match the desired profile items listed below.
More information
Data protection information
The Charité would like to point out that personal data is stored and processed at various locations at the Charité premises (e.g. specialty department, personnel representatives, HR department) as part of and for the purposes of the application process. Furthermore, the data may be transferred or processed within the group and to external bodies (e.g. authorities) to protect legitimate interests. By submitting your application, you agree to our data protection policy and terms of use for application procedures, which you can find here.
Additional information
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin makes its personnel decisions based on suitability, ability and professional performance. The Charité aims to increase the proportion of women in management positions and therefore strongly encourages women to apply. Women with equivalent qualifications will be given priority within the scope of legal possibilities. Applications from people with a migration background who meet the recruitment requirements are expressly encouraged. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications will be given preference. A police good-conduct certificate, in some cases an extended good-conduct certificate, is required at the time of recruitment. Unfortunately, application documents can be returned only if a sufficiently stamped envelope is enclosed. Any incurred travel expenses cannot be reimbursed.