PhD Position: Ecology and Evolution of Diseases (University of Maine) ***DEADLINE TO APPLY is SEPT. 4, 2016***
Job Description: A Ph.D. research assistantship is available through the Ecology & Environmental Sciences Program (http://umaine.edu/ees-graduate/) in the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture, School of Food and Agriculture at the University of Maine, Orono. The student will develop and conduct research on the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases in wildlife and domestic animals using genetic approaches. Research topics may include the investigation of: (1) eco-evolutionary drivers of transmission and spillover, (2) host-pathogen adaptation, (3) the genetic basis for heterogeneity in host susceptibility, and (4) disease transmission pathways using genetic data. This position will involve interdisciplinary research with strong field, laboratory and analytical components. Data collection may require international fieldwork (depending on the choice of research topic). The student will have the unique opportunity to be part of the new interdisciplinary Center for One Health & the Environment (https://sbe.umaine.edu/school/center-for-one-health- the-environment/) and have the potential to collaborate with the UMaine Animal Health Laboratory (https://extension.umaine.edu/veterinarylab/). Salary: $19,467 annual stipend, tuition waiver (up to 9 credit hours/semester, 1 credit hour in summer), 50% health insurance Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, evolution, microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field. Preferred candidates will have a Master’s degree or equivalent experience and be accomplished in writing, statistics, molecular methods, population/ phylogenetic analyses, and field skills. How to Apply: Interested qualified applicants are encouraged to email a cover letter, CV/resume, unofficial transcripts, writing sample, and the names and contact information for three references to Pauline Kamath (paulinekam...@gmail.com). Expected Start Date: January 17, 2017 Last Date to Apply: September 4, 2016 Pauline Kamath, Ph.D. College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture School of Food and Agriculture University of Maine, Orono Email: paulinekam...@gmail.com
