The Boni Lab in the Department of Biology at the Pennsylvania State University is recruiting two highly-motivated postdoctoral scholars to work at the interface of field, theoretical, and computational epidemiology. Our lab’s research interests can be seen here http://mol.ax.
Positions will begin in summer/autumn 2016; please inquire if you would like an earlier start date. Our lab is currently based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and it will be making a move to be 50% Penn State Biology Department and 50% Vietnam in August 2016. This means that for the near future, we will have an integrated lab across two sites with computational and theoretical expertise at the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics (http://www.cidd.psu.edu/) and field and laboratory studies at the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (http://www.oucru.org) in Ho Chi Minh City. Our current field studies include a large multi-site seroepidemiology study focused on influenza seroprevalence; an mHealth reporting study centered on influenza-like illness patterns in Ho Chi Minh City; and an avian influenza study focused on poultry population dynamics and the effects on H5N1 emergence and persistence. Our computational work focuses on evaluating malaria treatment strategies (http://mol.ax/pdf/nguyen15.pdf), exploring seasonality of influenza and ILI in the tropics (http://mol.ax/pdf/thai15.pdf), estimating the exposure frequency of avian influenza in the general population (http://mol.ax/pdf/boni13b.pdf), and the development of the recombination detection tool 3SEQ (http://mol.ax/3seq). The main pathogens of interest in our research group are influenza, malaria, and dengue. Candidates are encouraged to apply if they are interested in developing new directions for any of the ongoing projects described above, or if they see an opportunity to merge computational and field methods in a novel way. Candidates who would enjoy spending time in the field are encouraged to apply. The position requires a PhD in one of Ecology, Evolution, Computational Epidemiology, Mathematical Modeling, Population Genetics, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more programming languages and in a variety of statistical and modeling methods. Complementary expertise in epidemiology, ecology, or immunology may also be helpful. Excellent communication skills, including writing, are required, as is a strong publication record. Interested applicants should apply at https://psu.jobs/job/61636 by providing a brief cover letter describing their research interests and career goals, a CV, and names of three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status." Please email Maciej Boni - [email protected] - for any additional information.
