Postdoctoral Position: Integrated Ecological Forecasting of Malaria Risk in a Changing Climate
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to participate in a NIH-funded study on malaria risk mapping and early warning in the highlands of East Africa. The Epidemic Prognosis Incorporating Disease and Environmental Monitoring for Integrated Assessment (EPIDEMIA) project is focused on the development of a novel "EcoHealth Informatics" approach for integrating disease surveillance with environmental monitoring data from earth observation satellites and applying data-model fusion to generate forecasts of the timing and locations of future epidemics. The position is funded for up to four years and will be located in the Geospatial Sciences Center of Excellence at South Dakota State University. The postdoctoral researcher will use remotely sensed data to develop novel environmental indices of malaria risk, analyze relationships between environmental variability and spatial and temporal patterns of malaria, and work with public health partners to implement the results in an early warning and decision support system. Qualifications: A Ph.D. in epidemiology, geography, ecology, or a related field. The preferred candidate will have experience in both (1) processing of satellite remote sensing data and other types of geospatial datasets, and (2) application of spatio-temporal statistics to analyze epidemiological and ecological datasets. We will consider candidates who have experience in only one of these areas if they can demonstrate a willingness and ability to develop new knowledge and skills. Experience with data assimilation methods and their application for ecological and epidemiological forecasting, knowledge of the R language and environment for statistical computing, and a strong interest in malaria epidemiology are also highly desirable. To apply for this position, send the following information in electronic form to michael.wimbe...@sdstate.edu<mailto:michael.wimbe...@sdstate.edu>: cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and contact information for three references, and unofficial copies of transcripts. Review of applications will begin on May 1st and continue until the position has been filled. The position is available immediately, but start date is negotiable. For more information contact: Michael C. Wimberly Professor and Senior Scientist Geospatial Sciences Center of Excellence Wecota Hall 506B South Dakota State University Brookings, SD 57007-3510 (605) 688-5350
