Job Opening: Postdoctoral Scientist Spatio-Temporal Modeling of Disease Dynamics NC States Center for Geospatial Analytics
Advancements in geospatial analytics are rapidly transforming science, society, and decision-making by helping the world discover and communicate new solutions to complex, interdisciplinary challenges. The Center for Geospatial Analytics at NC State (geospatial.ncsu.edu) invites applications for an innovative and highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to join its Landscape Dynamics Group, led by Ross K. Meentemeyer. The selected candidate will work in a cross-institutional team, funded by the National Science Foundation, to understand spatio-temporal dynamics of epidemics caused by long-distance dispersal pathogens, and how those dynamics influence the efficacy of strategies for disease control. The candidate will have a unique opportunity to develop data-driven models of disease transmission using extensive datasets already collected, participate in ongoing data collection, and design actionable tools to help stakeholders know when, where, and how to control outbreaks. They will compare and synthesize empirical data and modeling studies on the spread of sudden oak death, wheat stripe rust, foot-and-mouth disease, and arboviruses to develop predictive models and rules- of-thumb for control of long-distance dispersal problems. The candidate will also have the opportunity to collaborate with the new Emerging Disease & Global Food Security Cluster within the Chancellors Faculty Excellence Program at NC State (facultyclusters.ncsu.edu). NC States location in the Research Triangle provides rich opportunities for interactions with industry; other universities, including Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and a number of government agencies. Preferred applicants will have a demonstrated expertise in GIS and spatio-temporal modeling (with advanced programming skills e.g. Python, C++, and/or R), a track record of research productivity, and a desire to collaborate with an interdisciplinary group of ecological, social, and spatial computing scientists. Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant field at time of appointment. NSF project funding is currently available for four years pending the selected candidates annual performance evaluation. Review of applications will begin September 19, 2016 and continue until the position is filled. The position will begin January 5, 2017, or earlier depending on the selected candidates availability. Applicants must apply electronically at https://jobs.ncsu.edu/, position number 00105785. Please submit four files, including a cover letter expressing interest in the position, a research statement, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references. For more information, please feel free to contact Dr. Ross K. Meentemeyer (rkmee...@ncsu.edu).
