Expression of Interest: funding application for Postdoctoral research position

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We are looking for a candidate to apply for the National Intelligence Postdoctoral Grant, which provides $365,000 (GST exclusive) over two years to support postdoctoral research on specific NIC-defined topics (more info here).

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Project overview

Forecasting the impact of climate change on scrub typhus risks in Australia

This interdisciplinary project seeks to develop a novel, mechanistic framework for forecasting health risks associated with scrub typhus in Australia, with a particular focus on the vector ecology of the chigger mite Leptotrombidium spp. Combining species distribution and Leslie matrix models, the project aims to quantify age-structured population dynamics across the mite’s life stages.

While previous models have primarily focused on environmental correlates and habitat suitability, this project integrates life-history traits, survival probabilities, and fecundity rates to model population trends under current and future climate scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5). To improve predictive power, the model will be coupled with ecological niche models for both the mites and their primary hosts (e.g., Rattus rattus),and will incorporate demographic modelling of rodent reservoirs to better understand host–vector interactions and disease transmission dynamics.

Project Objectives

• Identify climate-sensitive bottlenecks in the chigger mite lifecycle

• Predict spatiotemporal risk of scrub typhus outbreaks

• Provide ecologically grounded insights for targeted vector control

• Inform cost-effective, climate-responsive disease management strategies

By bridging population ecology, disease epidemiology, and climate science, this project offers a transformative approach to understanding and mitigating future zoonotic threats in Australia.

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Eligibility criteria (required)

• Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand Special Category Visa holder (documentation required at application)

• a PhD in applied mathematics, numerical modelling, climate science, computer science, or related areas, awarded within the past 10 years (career interruptions, including those due to COVID-19, will be considered)

• Strong background in programming and algorithm development

• Demonstrated evidence of a strong research track record (for career stage and relative to opportunities), including high-quality including publications, and presenting at national/international conferences

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in academic settings

• Ability to review literature and conduct collaborative research

• Ability to meet project deadlines and deliverables

This project is a collaboration between the Biogeography, Ecology, and Modelling Lab at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Australian Museum. The successful applicant will be based at UTS and will work closely with: Dr Frederik Saltre (UTS & Australian Museum), Prof Shane Ahyong (Australian Museum), Dr Matt Shaw (Australian Museum), Dr David Alquezar (Australian Museum).

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How to apply

To express your interest, please use this form. You will be required to:

• Address eligibility criteria

• Upload a CV

• Provide contact details for two academic referees

⚠️ incomplete application will not be considered

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Closing date: 6 January

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted shortly after the deadline (within a week). We will work closely with selected applicants to prepare full research applications for funding. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the research direction in line with their own expertise and interests, while working within the overarching framework of ecological forecasting and climate-sensitive disease risk

Frédérik Saltré

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