We seek one highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a research team with investigators from the University of Oklahoma and the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. The selected candidate could start to work in fall 2020.

Position Description: The OU/USGS postdoctoral researcher will focus on conducting geo-spatial analyses and simulation modeling tasks to examine the role of waterfowl in the transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in China. Modeling efforts will include developing agent-based models (ABMs) for wild waterfowl species and applying compartmentalized susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) disease models for highly pathogenic avian influenza transmission at the wild bird-domestic bird-human interface. Distribution modeling and forecasting for the bird components will be inputs integrated with phylogenetic analyses investigating virus evolution and changes in agricultural systems in eastern China.

This postdoctoral researcher position will be hired through the University of Oklahoma, and selected candidate will be based at PWRC as the off-site employee of the University of Oklahoma, under the supervision of Dr. Diann Prosser (USGS PWRC, Co-Investigator of the project). The selected candidate will work with Dr. Diann Prosser, Dr. John Y. Takekawa (Consulting Waterfowl Expert), and Dr. Xiangming Xiao (OU, Project Director). The PWRC is a world-renowned wildlife research center located in Laurel, Maryland, 30 minutes north of Washington D.C. The PWRC in-lab interactions will include other post-docs, long-term technicians, graduate students, and interns.

Required Expertise and Skills: The ideal candidate must have a proven publication record with a doctoral degree in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Mathematics, Epidemiology, GIS, Statistics, or in a related field. The candidate must be highly motivated, able to work independently, and good at communicating within an international team. It is critical that the selected candidate have extensive experience in R and other related statistical software, and with analysis of spatial data. Experience in use of Netlogo or similar simulation programs to conduct ABM models is a plus. Background in leading development of peer-reviewed manuscripts is a requirement.

Salary: Starting salary will be $50,000 per year. Postdoctoral researcher will receive the university employee
benefits, including medical, dental and life insurance. Hiring is contingent on a background check. This position will be appointed on annual basis and could be renewed up to four years, dependent upon candidate's performance and fund availability.

Application Materials: Interested candidates should send the following materials in a single PDF file to Drs. Diann Prosser and Xiangming Xiao through their email addresses: (1) curriculum vitae, (2) a letter of research interest statement, (3) a copy of transcripts in the doctoral degree program, and (4) a list of names and email addresses for three reference persons. Please add NSF postdoc in the subject line and name your file with your name (e.g. DoeJohn.pdf).

Contact Person: Dr. Diann Prosser (pwrc_application@usgs.gov), or Dr. Xiangming Xiao
(xiangming.xiao@ou.edu).