Postdoctoral Position in Disease Ecology and Modeling at The Universities of Memphis and San Diego
Description
A postdoctoral position is available to study the causes and consequences of heterogeneity in susceptibility to infection with Drs. James Adelman and Arietta Fleming-Davies at the University of Memphis and the University of San Diego, respectively. This position is part of a highly collaborative project (U Memphis, Virginia Tech, UConn, U San Diego) and will blend theory and experiments to uncover ecological and evolutionary consequences of heterogeneity in susceptibility in a highly tractable host-pathogen system: house finches infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum. The postdoc will ideally use empirical data collected on this system for statistical and mathematical models that inform our understanding of heterogeneity in susceptibility, as well as help design and execute additional, related experiments and/or models that augment the project’s goals. The postdoc will also help mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the lab to enhance their abilities in independent research. For those interested in gaining teaching experience, opportunities to teach a course as instructor of record at University of San Diego may be available as part of this position (teaching component not required).
Qualifications and Application Process
Candidates must have a PhD (by the start date) in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, mathematics, statistics, or a related field. The ideal postdoc will have demonstrated experience in statistics and/or mathematical modeling, use of R or another programming language, excellent written and oral communication skills, an established record of peer-reviewed publications, and the ability to work both independently and with diverse research teams. Prior experience with quantitative and computational modeling approaches is not required, but preference will be given to those with an interest in learning and applying such techniques. Precise details of location are negotiable, but the postdoc would ideally be interested in gaining both empirical and modeling experience, and spending at least some time at both the University of Memphis and University of San Diego with travel support from project funds.
Salary is up to $56,880 with benefits. Funding is available for two years, dependent on favorable annual performance evaluations. The proposed start date is negotiable, but could be as early as January 2024.
To apply, please see official advertisement, here:
https://workforum.memphis.edu/postings/38696
