POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN THE POPULATION ECOLOGY OF URBAN RODENTS AND EPIDEMIOLOGY OF RODENT-BORN DISEASE
TULANE UNIVERSITY We are seeking a postdoctoral associate to join an NSF-funded, Coupled Natural and Human (CNH) systems project to assist with research on the population ecology of Norway rats and epidemiology of rodent-born pathogens in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The postdoc will develop a computational metapopulation model of rodents in New Orleans. The population model will synthesize information and data from GIS analyses, population genetics, trap-based surveys, disease prevalence, vegetation surveys, and sociological surveys. The model will be used to assess ecological and human-health outcomes of alternative control scenarios reflecting risk perceptions, rodent abundance, and habitat suitability across the New Orleans study region. The expected outcomes of the project include (1) modeling the distribution and demographics of human exposure risk according to habitat, landscape and socioeconomic factors; and (2) determining the likelihood of containing and controlling transmission according to competing intervention targets and strategies; and (3) determining the extent to which interventions give rise to feedbacks between ecological and societal diversity. The postdoctoral researcher also may be expected to serve as a coordinator for the project, working with an interdisciplinary team of scientists including public health professionals, sociologists, geographers, ecologists, and mathematicians. The researcher will be mentored by Dr. Caz Taylor (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Center for Computational Science, Tulane University) and Dr. Michael Blum (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Center for Bioenvironmental Research, Tulane University). In addition to contributing to the collaborative research project described above, the postdoctoral researcher will develop his/her own research questions and will be expected to present results at scientific conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Candidates are being sought with: (1) Strong computational and programming skills, prefer experience in R, and/or matlab; (2) Demonstrated research excellence; (3) Strong oral and written communication skills. Preference will be given to applicants whose research interests and expertise complement the research project but outstanding applicants looking to broaden their field of interest will also be seriously considered. A PhD in ecology, population genetics, epidemiology, mathematics, or a related field is required. The position is available immediately, though the start date is flexible. Funding is available for three years. An initial appointment will be for two years with an extension contingent on performance. Compensation will be ≥$40,000 per year, with starting salary commensurate with experience. A standard benefits package will be available. Tulane University is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. All eligible candidates are invited to apply for position vacancies as appropriate. To apply, email a cover letter, a statement of research interests and experience, a CV, and the names and contact information of three references to: Ms. Shelley Meaux Department Administrator Tulane/Xavier Center for Bioenvironmental Research (CBR) 107B Richardson Building Tulane University New Orleans, LA 70118 sme...@tulane.edu Questions about the position or project should be directed to Dr. Caz Taylor (c...@tulane.edu) and/or Dr. Michael Blum (mjb...@tulane.edu). Applications will be reviewed beginning October 15 2013.