Applications are invited for two Postdoctoral Research Associates in the Odum School of Ecology and Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, at the University of Georgia, associated with a project recently funded by NIH “Spillover of Ebola and other filoviruses at ecological boundaries.”
Position 1 (Statistical Modeling of Spillover Risk): The successful candidate will build statistical models of spillover of Ebola and other African filoviruses, participate in database development (both of spillover events and of predictor variables including ecological, environmental and socioeconomic factors), and developing project workflows in R. Knowledge of statistics, proficiency with R and experience either with macroecological analyses or statistical analyses of disease dynamics are required. Knowledge of disease ecology, Ebolavirus ecology and evolution, economic development, GIS or phylogenetic comparative methods are welcome but not essential.
Position 2 (Mathematical Modeling): The successful candidate will develop deterministic and stochastic multi-patch models of disease transmission. A strong working knowledge of dynamical systems, dynamic programming, and R are essential. Knowledge of disease ecology, Ebolavirus ecology and evolution, economic theory, economic epidemiology, or community ecology are welcome but not essential.
Required qualifications are a Ph.D. in ecology, evolutionary biology, statistics, mathematics, economics, epidemiology or closely related fields. Candidates with a past record of publication in disease ecology, macroecology, economics or mathematical modeling will be given preference. Candidates must have excellent English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as an established record of productivity (i.e., at least one previous peer reviewed publication). Both positions are available immediately and will remain open until filled. The position will initially have a duration of one year, with possibility of extension to a second year depending on satisfactory performance and funding availability. Compensation will include $48,000 for 12 months of salary, health insurance and other benefits. Given current circumstances with COVID-19 the conditions of appointment are flexible.
To apply, please submit a cover letter clearly stating which position(s) is/are being applied for and addressing how the candidate’s expertise meets the position requirements, a CV, one representative publication, and contact info (phone and email) for three references to Trippe Ross at tross312@uga.edu. In the subject of all emails, please include your name and the name of the position (e.g., “Application for Statistical Modeling of Spillover Risk: LASTNAME”). Please send all inquiries to Patrick Stephens at prsteph@uga.edu. We value the diversity of perspectives that a team made up of individuals with varied backgrounds will possess and encourage applications from members of groups underrepresented in STEM.
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