We are recruiting a postdoctoral scholar to work on an NIH-funded project (R01 AI102918- PI LaBeaud; labeaudlab.stanford.edu) investigating the burden and transmission dynamics of dengue, chikungunya, and other arboviruses in Kenya. The postdoc will primarily work at Stanford University with Dr. Jason Andrews, Associate Professor of Medicine in Infectious Diseases, and Dr. Erin Mordecai, Associate Professor of Biology. The postdoc will collaborate with the research team of Dr. Desiree LaBeaud, Professor of Pediatrics in Infectious Diseases at Stanford, Dr. Bryson Ndenga, PhD, Kenya Medical Research Institute, and Dr. Francis Mutuku, PhD, Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya. The team has over 8 years of experience in community-based vector and arbovirus research in Kenya.

The aims of the project are to investigate how climate and human activity space affect exposure to dengue, chikungunya, and other arboviruses at four sites in Kenya and to understand how interventions can be designed to control Aedes aegypti vectors and arboviruses. The postdoc will use established methods to: (1) use serology data to infer infection dynamics within the population, and link them to age, activity patterns, and other factors; (2) model vector dynamics as a function of weather and link them to field vector abundance data, and use the model to investigate possible vector control interventions.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in epidemiology, ecology, computational biology, or related field, proficiency in statistical modeling, and experience using dynamical models (e.g., SIR models). Previous experience working on vector-borne diseases and/or arboviruses is a plus but is not required. Candidates from Kenya, other regions of sub-Saharan Africa, or other Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be an independent, highly motivated problem solver who communicates well and enjoys working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

To apply, please send a cover letter that describes your research interests and background, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to Sonia Alvarez at sonia.alvarez@stanford.edu. Review of applications will begin on January 18 and continue until February 15 or until the position is filled.