NC State University Vector/disease genetic models
Posdoctoral Fellowship Vector/disease genetic models: We need a mathematically oriented biologist (or biologically oriented mathematician) with experience in population genetics and/or epidemiology to work on an NIH- and Gates Foundation-funded project. The project is aimed at building stochastic, spatially explicit, simulation models that link insect population dynamics, disease epidemiology, and population genetics in a way that can contribute to improving strategies for releasing transgenic mosquitoes to reduce the incidence of human disease. The fellowship is for 2 years but could be extended for a third year pending additional funding. In addition to working on model development and analysis, the person in this position will collaborate in an interdisciplinary group composed of mosquito ecologists, disease epidemiologists, molecular biologists, biomathematicians, ethicists, and scientists from disease- endemic countries, in efforts to develop novel transgenic strategies for disease reduction. The person in this position will work the PIs (Fred Gould & Alun Lloyd) and another postdoc in organizing a workshop to teach other researchers how to use the models. There will be an opportunity for some empirical research (if desired), and for interactions with other members of the lab who are working on other ecological and evolutionary research. NCSU has just begun development of an interdisciplinary graduate program in Genetic Pest Management, so there are likely to be teaching opportunities. An overview of the area of research and an entry point to relevant literature can be found in: Gould, F. K. Magori, and Y. Huang. 2006. Genetic strategies for controlling mosquito-borne diseases. Am. Sci. 94:238-246. Sinkins, S. P., and F. Gould. 2006. Gene-drive systems for insect disease vectors. Nat. Rev. 7:427-435. North Carolina State University is a leading research institution with a strong commitment to the study of quantitative and population genetics. The University is situated in Raleigh, NC and is within 30 miles of Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, NIEHS, an EPA research unit, and the Research Triangle Park. NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. To apply: Send to [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1) A one or two page letter of intent. 2) CV, and 3) Names of 3-4 references. Closing date for applications is July 15, 2008, or until a suitable candidate is found. For further information call Fred Gould at 919-515-1647 or email to above email address.
