An exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher is available in the research group of Dr. Leigh Combrink in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment (SNRE) at the University of Arizona. Dr. Combrink’s research group focuses on wildlife disease and conservation, with particular interest in diseases with zoonotic potential. The successful applicant will join a multi-institutional, multidisciplinary team comprised of academic researchers from within the UA (Departments: SNRE, Entomology, & Public Health), epidemiologists from the Coconino County Health and Human Services, and simulation modelers from the US Environmental Protection Agency). The team is working on developing spatial forecastomg models of vector-borne infectious disease spread within Coconino County, AZ, with a focus on climate change. This project will provide the successful applicant the opportunity to engage with both local, state, and federal agencies working towards mitigating the risks of spread of vector-borne infectious diseases with the goal of a pandemic free future for the state of Arizona.

There will be opportunities to engage in teaching and/or mentoring undergraduate students within the department. Please send inquiries to Dr. Leigh Combrink (leighcombrink@arizona.edu).

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Position Duties

• Development of spatial forecasting models for vector-borne disease systems.
• Analysis of infectious disease vectors and climate data.
• Preparation of results for peer-reviewed publications and presentations at relevant meetings / symposia.
• Undergraduate mentoring

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in mathematical and simulation modeling
• Proficient in manipulation and analysis of large datasets
• Ability to manipulate research results and county epidemiological data for use in the design and parametrization of spatial forecasting models.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate research outputs to stakeholders and partner organizations.
• High degree of attention to detail, high level of organization, and independent problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to work as both part of an inter-institutional, interdisciplinary team as well as to accomplish tasks independently.

• Applicants must hold a PhD in a related field (ecology and evolutionary biology, mathematics, epidemiology etc.) upon hire.
  

• Experience with development of spatial forecasting models.
• Demonstrated experience publishing peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts.
• Experience with manipulation and analysis of epidemiological data would be a distinct advantage.