Post-Doctoral Opportunity – Funded and Available Sep 1, 2022
WildHealthNet: A collaborative and evidence-based approach to sustainable wildlife health surveillance

We are seeking a highly motivated and energetic individual to join a multi-disciplinary research group on global wildlife health surveillance. This position is based at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary and is funded by the Science, Nature, and People Partnership (SNAPP). The successful applicant will work under the primary supervision of Dr. Mathieu Pruvot (https://vet.ucalgary.ca/contact-us/mathieu-pruvot) and Dr. Sarah Olson (Wildlife Conservation Society, Director of Health Research).

Project background: From the devastating effects of infectious disease of wildlife (e.g., fungal diseases), to spillover of livestock pathogens into wildlife (e.g., African Swine Fever), to the emergence of wildlife pathogens into humans (e.g., COVID-19), wildlife health surveillance has relevance to ecosystem, livestock, and human health. However, wildlife health surveillance is lacking on a global scale, with most efforts in lower and middle income countries (LMICs) limited in scope and duration. New cross-sectoral and trans-disciplinary approaches are needed to implement effective and sustainable wildlife health surveillance at global scale. Several actors are holding part of the solution (through international frameworks, data management systems, technical support and training), but very few are able to meet the challenge of providing locally relevant solutions that can be scaled globally. A collaborative and evidence-based approach is urgently needed. This project aims to respond to this need through data synthesis and policy development to facilitate prioritization and coordination across global stakeholders, and via the creation of the WildHealthNet Consortium SNAPP (https://snappartnership.net/) working group.

Position: We are recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to work alongside the SNAPP working group, advance the data synthesis priorities identified by the working group, and support the working group in the production of tangible outcomes and outputs. It is expected that data synthesis efforts will focus on prioritization of surveillance targets and strategies by synthesizing data on health impacts on wildlife, existing systems, detection bias, and socio-ecological interfaces and practices with high spillover risks. Policy objectives include 1) the co-development of a theory of change that connects international frameworks to the practical implementation of wildlife surveillance systems and 2) formalizing the consortium and establish a partnership agreement outlining how stakeholders work together in the long term.

Requirements: This research will require a solid foundation in epidemiological surveillance and One Health, a broad understanding of determinants of wildlife health, familiarity with the methods and challenges of wildlife health surveillance, strong skills in quantitative ecology, strong cultural competencies and cultural humility, inter-disciplinary communication skills, and an interest in science-to-policy translation. The PDF will coordinate and execute extensive collaborative research, workshops, and meetings with multiple international partners, so interpersonal communication and organizational skills are essential.

Salary: Salary is CAD$50,000/year for 2 years plus benefits.

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed immediately with the intent of filling the position as soon as possible.

Email a letter of introduction describing your research interests, experience, and motivation for applying to this position, as well as a current CV, a copy of transcripts, and 3 references