Postdoctoral research scientist – Emerging infectious diseases (WNS and Bsal)
Position summary: The increasing the number of novel infectious diseases over the past few decades, especially those caused by fungal pathogens, has resulted in substantial population declines and loss of biodiversity. Two wildlife pathogens of particular interest to US agencies include white nose syndrome (WNS) in bats and the salamander chytrid fungus (Bsal). Several US agencies actively participate in working groups to develop management strategies and identify research priorities for these diseases. Duties: I am seeking a postdoctoral scientist to improve disease management strategies for WNS and Bsal. The candidate will work directly with resource managers on pressing disease management decisions. The work will involve working with managers to understand the objectives for managing populations under disease risk, the development and use of models of bat and amphibian populations to choose management strategies which may be effective at reducing population declines, and identifying research needs for future work and funding to address uncertainties. Qualifications: Competitive candidates will have skills in modeling, estimation, and/or optimization, with previous experience leading a collaborative research project and familiarity with disease ecology, epidemiology, amphibian ecology or bat ecology a plus but not necessary. The successful candidate will also have excellent writing and personal communication skills, and a demonstrated desire and ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals. Applicants are expected to have earned a Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline, preferably within the last 5 years. Benefits: Salary and benefits is competitive, with support available for 1 year with possibility of extension for an additional 2 years pending satisfactory progress. Some travel funds will be available to support visits with study team members and outside cooperators, to attend regional workshops during model development, and to attend professional conferences. Application: Send a letter describing your background and experiences as they relate to this position, and a CV with names and contact information for three references to Evan Grant (ehgr...@usgs.gov). Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
