[ECOLOG-L] Workshop: Immune selection on protozoan & metazoan parasites
We invite applications to participate in our NSF-funded workshop on immune selection, to be held in conjunction with the 2015 Woods Hole Immunoparasitology (WHIP) Conference, 19-22 April in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA. Natural selection operates on the ecological dynamics of parasites both within hosts and across host populations. Our NSF-funded Research Coordination Network (RCN) integrates theoretical and empirical tools to study these cross-scale dynamics and explain heterogeneities in parasite life cycles, virulence and efficacy of control. A major challenge is to identify relevant and tractable immune parameters to inform our understanding of within-host dynamics. The main objective of this workshop is therefore to characterize dynamics of immune killing in relation to the effectors that target parasites, from vector-borne trypanosomes and malaria to directly-transmitted helminths and trophically- transmitted toxoplasmosis. By embedding ourselves in WHIP, we will tap into broad and deep immunoparasitological expertise in an informal and highly interactive setting on lovely Cape Cod. Primary questions that we will consider during the workshop: Do parasite species that differ in mode of transmission experience differential types/strengths of immune selection? How heterogeneous are the immune responses induced by different parasite strains within species? When does cross-reactivity of immune responses lead to apparent competition versus competitive release of different parasite genotypes? What are the most relevant yet tractable metrics that predict strength and timing of immune selection? What are the appropriate functional forms for understanding and modelling immune selection? Workshop participants are expected to present relevant data and/or theory in short formal presentations, and (even more importantly!) to participate fully in discussions and the real-time development of statistical, mathematical and experimental approaches to studying the evolution of infectious diseases. We will support WHIP registration, travel and subsistence for up to 20 workshop participants. If you are interested in attending the 2015 workshop and WHIP conference, please apply via this link: http://ideas.princeton.edu/workshop-for-2015/ We require a 250-word (max) abstract describing the work you propose to present as a talk or poster to the WHIP audience, plus a brief justification of your interest in the workshop. Please note that WHIP especially favors oral presentations by postdoctoral and predoctoral researchers. Workshop applications will be considered on a rolling, first-come, first- served basis until the workshop fills or 15 March 2015, whichever comes first. For more information on this RCN, please see: http://ideas.princeton.edu/ For WHIP, go to http://tinyurl.com/k5ef6sa.
[ECOLOG-L] TWO POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE POSITIONS
Departments of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Statistics, Mathematics, and the Center for the Study of Complex Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA Applications are invited for two postdoctoral research fellowships as part of a 5-year NIH-funded project involving an interdisciplinary team of collaborators: Pej Rohani, Aaron King, Ed Ionides, and Mercedes Pascual. We are seeking to recruit candidates who will participate in one of two related projects. (1) Use computational and statistical models to understand the immunological, spatial, and climatic determinants of dengue transmission. (2) To develop and implement computational methods for statistical inference applied to high-dimensional, mechanistic epidemiological systems, with a focus on polio population biology. The ideal candidate has a PhD in statistics, applied mathematics, applied physics, epidemiology, or other highly quantitative field and previous experience in the analysis of epidemiological or ecological systems. The salary will be in the range of $40,000-50,000 per year (depending on experience), plus fringe benefits. Starting date is negotiable. The University of Michigan is a vibrant scientific community and the successful applicants will be afforded many opportunities for professional development. Ann Arbor offers a rich cultural and intellectual life in a very livable small city setting. For further information, contact Pej Rohani (e-mail: roh...@umich.edu). Applicants should send a cover letter, a detailed CV, a brief statement of research interests, and the names of three referees. The cover letter should discuss possible starting dates. Review of applications will start on October 1st and will continue until the posts have been filled.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral position on Infectious Disease Dynamics and Climate
Postdoctoral position on infectious disease dynamics and climate Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Michigan Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to work on the population dynamics of infectious diseases and climate variability. The research will focus on the dynamics of cholera and involve the development of mathematical models of disease and their interface with novel statistical inference methods for time series data. The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of renewal. Required expertise: Applicants should have a doctoral degree in Ecology, Epidemiology, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a climate-related field. Experience in mathematical modelling and strong programming skills are essential. Expertise with stochastic models, time series analysis, and/or parameter estimation (such as Monte Carlo methods) is preferred. We will also consider applicants from climate related fields with expertise in forecasting and time-series modelling who are interested in applications to epidemiology. Compensation: Salary will start at US$ 40,000. To apply: Please submit application electronically by sending CV, letter of interest, and names of three references to Mercedes Pascual at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and Aaron King at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Anticipated starting date: September 15 or later. -- Aaron A. King, Ph.D. Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of Michigan http://www.umich.edu/~kingaa GPG Public Key: 0x2B00840F
