NC State University Pop. Gen./Epidemiology Postdoctoral Fellowship
POPULATION GENETICS / EPIDEMIOLOGY / MODELING: We are searching for a postdoc who has a strong theoretical or empirical background in population ecology, population genetics, and/or epidemiology to work on an NIH- and Gates Foundation-funded project aimed at decreasing the mosquito-vectored human disease, dengue fever. QUALIFICATIONS: Although substantial experience with building simulation models is desirable, we will consider applicants who have little experience with model building, but have a strong record of picking up new quantitative skills. In depth knowledge of statistical methods is a plus. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project is aimed at assessing the potential as well as risks associated with using selfish genetic elements to drive genes into mosquito populations that render them incapable of transmitting dengue fever or malaria. We are building and testing stochastic, spatially explicit, simulation models that link insect population dynamics, disease epidemiology, and population genetics in a way that can contribute to improving strategies for releasing transgenic mosquitoes to reduce the incidence of human disease. Sensitivity analysis and uncertainty analysis of model outputs will be critical in assessing reliability. We are also building simple spatial and non-spatial, deterministic models as heuristic tools for better understanding basic principles, but we are not looking for applicants who are only interested in working with simple, generic models. The fellowship is for 2 years (starting as soon as possible) but could be extended for a third year pending additional funding. In addition to working on model development and analysis, the person in this position will collaborate in an interdisciplinary group composed of mosquito ecologists, disease epidemiologists, molecular biologists, biomathematicians, ethicists, and scientists from disease-endemic countries, in efforts to develop novel transgenic strategies for disease reduction. The person in this position will work with the PIs (Fred Gould & Alun Lloyd) and another postdoc in organizing a workshop to teach other researchers how to use the models. There are opportunities for some empirical research (if desired), and for interactions with other members of the lab who are working on other ecological and evolutionary research projects. NCSU is developing an interdisciplinary graduate program in Genetic Pest Management, so there are likely to be teaching opportunities (if desired). http://www.ncsu.edu/project/gpm/ An overview of the area of research and an entry point to relevant literature can be found in: Gould, F. K. Magori, and Y. Huang. 2006. Genetic strategies for controlling mosquito-borne diseases. Am. Sci. 94:238-246. Sinkins, S. P., and F. Gould. 2006. Gene-drive systems for insect disease vectors. Nat. Rev. 7:427- 435. North Carolina State University is a leading research institution with a strong commitment to the study of quantitative and population genetics. The University is situated in Raleigh, NC and is within 30 miles of Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, NIEHS, an EPA research unit, and the Research Triangle Park. NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. To apply: Send to [email protected] 1) A one or two page letter of intent. 2) CV, and 3) Names of 3-4 references. The closing date for applications is February 15, 2009, or until a suitable candidate is found. Please send preliminary inquiries immediately. For further information call Fred Gould at 919-515-1647 or email to above email address. fred_gould@
