The Spatial Analytic Framework for Advanced Information Systems (SAFARIS) team at North Carolina State University seeks two creative, motivated Ph.D. students with interests in quantitative modeling of biological invasions to join an interdisciplinary group developing spatial models and techniques to forecast movement of plant pests and diseases. The positions will begin Fall 2018 and are funded for four years at $25,000/year, plus benefits and tuition support, through the cutting-edge Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. program at NC State (geospatial.ncsu.edu). Funded by USDA-APHIS, the selected applicants will collaborate with university and federal researchers focused on developing technologies to improve plant health safeguarding systems. The students will contribute to the development and application of open source models of pest and pathogen invasion across multiple scales, including landscape-, regional- and global-scale dynamics of movement. Each student will be encouraged to develop research questions and a project tailored to their unique interests and career goals. Competitive candidates will be proficient in python, R, C++ and/or equivalent programming languages. Knowledge of modern computing architectures, programming environments, and visualization systems are a plus. The Center for Geospatial Analytics is an internationally recognized collaborative hub for interdisciplinary data scientists advancing novel understanding of spatial phenomena and applying new knowledge to grand challenges. Students in the Ph.D. program receive multidisciplinary advising and the opportunity to work with over twenty faculty fellows with diverse expertise from nearly a dozen departments across NC State. Students also engage in experiential learning through an off-campus professional internship. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To apply, complete the application at grad.ncsu.edu/apply by February 1, 2018. To express interest in the position or to learn more, contact Dr. Yu Takeuchi (yu_takeu...@ncsu.edu), Dr. Ross K. Meentemeyer (rkmee...@ncsu.edu) or Dr. Raju Vatsavai (rrvat...@ncsu.edu). Additional details about the Ph.D. program in Geospatial Analytics and complete application instructions are available at go.ncsu.edu/geospatial- phd. Interested students are also encouraged to contact Rachel Kasten, Graduate Services Coordinator (rachelkas...@ncsu.edu or 919-515-2800), with questions about the program or to explore additional opportunities.
