An interdisciplinary research opportunity for 1-4 month Project Scientist to study ecological solutions for a human parasitic disease in Sub-Saharan Africa – Summer 2016
An international Research Group, with 3 of 5 PI’s based at UCSB, and collaborators at Stanford University, UC Davis, Kentucky State University, and at a non-profit organization in Senegal have funds, from a recently awarded NSF-CNH grant, to conduct an investigation into the viability and cost-effectiveness of a novel biological control approach to reduce or eliminate human schistosomiasis. Based on the reintroduction of native crustacean predators (prawns) of snails in small aquaculture facilities, results of preliminary field studies, laboratory experiments and modeling projections show how this method might offer a win-win solution by a) amplifying the positive effect of traditional drug treatments, b) possibly eradicating the disease from some areas, and c) offering a source of protein and marketable goods for local villages. The Project Scientist's role will be highly interdisciplinary, at the interface between human geography, ecology, rural development, and public health, but will primarily focus on interview-based social science research to ask: (1) can environmental re-introduction of native prawns using aquaculture offer sustainable control of schistosomiasis? (2) what are the key social-ecological feedbacks in this system? and (3) what are the relevant circumstances (or barriers) under which entrepreneurs are likely to adopt (or not) prawn aquaculture for disease control? The selected candidate will lead qualitative research in the study site towards the development of quantitative surveys. The candidate will assist the PIs in quantitative survey design informed by his/her qualitative research findings and will help organize and lead a survey team in collecting quantitative surveys, beginning late summer 2016. The project has funds to cover salary and travel expenditures for field work. Qualitative data surveys will focus on questions about household resource use, livelihoods, health, and food security. The outcomes of the project are likely to lead to improved public health strategies for control and elimination of schistosomiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa, and advances in the fields of ecology, epidemiology, human-environment geography, economics, aquaculture science, and parasite modeling. Required qualifications: 1. Study and/or research experience in a relevant discipline such as human ecology, geography, anthropology, social science, biology, aquatic ecology, epidemiology, or public health 2. Fluency in French 3. Experience with interview-based research techniques 4. Interest in ecological solutions for improving human public health 5. Experience working internationally, preferably in third world country settings Desired qualifications: 6. Experience in mixed quantitative and qualitative field research methods 7. A demonstrated publication record in scientific journals (a plus) 7. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills 8. Wolof speaking proficiency While applications may be solicited yearly for this seasonal position, prior experience in the project in subsequent years will be considered a plus. Subsequent years funding will also be used to assist with survey data analysis. If interested please send a CV and cover letter outlining specific skills and experience in the 5 required qualifications, especially French language proficiency to Maya Chatterjee <[email protected]> Applications are welcome through June 13. Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon. Dr. David Lopez-Carr Professor, Department of Geography University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 93106 http://geog.ucsb.edu/~carr
