A postdoctoral position funded by the NSF-NIH-USDA-BBSRC Ecology and Evolution
of Infectious Disease (EEID) Program is available with Dr. Matthew Ferrari
(http://www.cidd.psu.edu/
(http://www.bio.psu.edu/
Dynamics (www.cidd.psu.edu) and the Department of Biology at the Pennsylvania State
University (www.bio.psu.edu).
The position involves the development and application of Adaptive Management (AM) to
the economically important livestock disease Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). AM,
“management with a plan for learning about the system”, combines real-time model
fitting, based on dynamic surveillance data, with stochastic optimization to select the best
management action to optimize management outcomes conditional on the current support
for competing models. This project will involve analysis of FMD incidence data, as well
as the development and analysis of spatially explicit dynamic models of FMD spread in
novel settings, in order to develop intervention strategies using structured decision
theory.
A Ph.D. in Quantitative Ecology, Population Biology, Applied Mathematics, Statistics or
an equivalent area is required. Expertise in stochastic optimization, optimal control
theory, statistical computing or related topics is highly desirable. Candidates should
demonstrate a track record of publication; have strong organizational, written, and oral
communication skills; and be able to work both independently and as part of a
collaborative team. This project will engage directly with agency stakeholders (e.g.
USDA, DEFRA); thus, an ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to effectively
communicate quantitative analysis to a non-technical audience. For further information,
please feel free to contact Dr Ferrari (mjf283@psu.edu; ) or Dr. Shea
(k-shea@psu.edu; ).
To apply, please send a copy of your curriculum vitae, a 1-2 page statement of research
interests that explicitly describes your professional qualifications for this position, and
contact information for three referees by email to M. Ferrari. Review of applications will
begin 1 September 2012, and continue until the position is filled.
Penn State requires successful completion of a background check consistent with the
requirements of the job and applicable policies prior to employment. Penn State is
committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce
