Research Assistant/Research Officer

The Opportunity

The Global Disease Modelling (GDM) team is an interdisciplinary team of researchers that develop and use mathematical models to understand parasitic and viral diseases and inform public health decision-making. Led by Professor Melissa Penny, the GDM group uses data analysis, modelling and simulation, to examine complex interactions between infectious diseases, individuals, and populations, medical interventions, and health systems. They use these models to understand disease progression, pathogenesis, and disease transmission, and to estimate impacts of existing and novel health interventions in individuals or at the population level, with the goal to inform decisions during product development through to implementation and policy recommendations.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant or Research Officer (level defined by experience) to support the conceptualisation, development, optimisation and application of cutting-edge mathematical and statistical methodologies to estimate health impact and understand the role of existing and novel malaria interventions to support malaria burden reduction and elimination. This role will support Research and Development (R&D), policy and implementation decisions on existing and next-generation malaria tools, their combined use, and their use-cases to reduce or eliminate disease.

In this dynamic role, you will:

• Use modelling and support the optimisation and implementation of modelling analysis to addressing questions on malaria intervention impact.
• Contribute to extending and refining existing models to include new data sources and add new functionality.
• Manage your own coding, research, deliverables, and administrative activities, including small-scale project management to co-ordinate multiple aspects of the work.
• Contribute to communications with our stakeholders on new malaria interventions.

Based within our modern offices at Perth Children's Hospital, this role will be offered on a full-time basis for a 3-year period.

About You

The successful candidate will hold a PhD or Masters thesis or equivalent experience in mathematics, mathematical modelling, epidemiology, statistics, public health or a similar quantitative discipline. Along with this, you will also possess the following skills:

• Statistical/mathematical skills, especially one or more fields relevant to disease modelling (ODEs/PDEs; simulation models; Bayesian statistical modelling; Gaussian processes).
• Demonstrable ability to think abstractly about real-world systems and design mathematical/statistical models answering questions about them.
• Programming skills in at least one of R/Python, or another statistical/mathematical programming language.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team to initiate, plan and deliver research projects through from conception to publication.

At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit, support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

If you meet many, but not all, of the role requirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to mention any career breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your journey.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we:

• Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups.
• Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages.
• Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive.
• Partner with communities to strength cultural awareness and belonging.
• Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups.
• We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can.

Alongside our inclusive culture, you'll enjoy:

• Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter.
• Salary packaging and entertainment benefits.
• Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning.
• Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities.
• Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance.

How to Apply

If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you,

Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the "About You" section.

Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contact

Contact Name: Julian Heng

Contact Email:

Closing Date: 29/09/2025 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.