Post-doctoral Research Associate
Ecology of Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in Asia

POSITION TITLE

Post-doctoral Research Associate (One-year term position)


POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Wildlife Conservation Society requires a post-doctoral research associate to assist in publication of data collected on the ecology of avian influenza in wild birds in Asia. WCS is a participant in the NIH/NIAID-funded Minnesota Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (MCEIRS), and as such has collected avian influenza data from free-ranging birds and birds in the wildlife trade in Mongolia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Lao PDR since 2005. Data analysis and publications will focus on increasing our understanding of the ecology of avian influenza in wild birds, with a view to applying this information to protect wildlife, domestic animal, and human health.

Subject to final funding approval, this is a one-year term position, with possibility of renewal based on available funding and a positive performance review.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES
1. the primary responsibility of the successful candidate will be to conduct data analysis, interpretation and produce high quality scientific manuscripts;
2. secondary responsibilities may include:
a. provide ongoing epidemiological consulting and advice to field staff;
b. assist and provide advice on study design, data collection, data management, data analysis and interpretation;
c. participate in scientific and public speaking, public relations work, and fund raising activities as required;
d. occassional travel to consult with field staff, participate in field activities, participate in logistic and/or scientific meetings;
3. contribute to, enlarge, and uphold the society’s conservation mission to save wildlife and wild lands
4. contribute to, enlarge, and uphold the society’s policies toward the equal employment opportunities for women, minorities, veterans, the handicapped, and other protected groups;
5. other responsibilities as appropriate and assigned by the aforementioned Associate Directors

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess:

1. A PhD in biology, ecology, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, or related-life science (required);
2. Previous post-doctoral experience in the field of wildlife disease ecology (preferred).
3. Significant experience conducting independent, applied scientific research on infectious diseases in wildlife populations (preferred);
4. A demonstrated understanding of the principles of biostatistics, epidemiology, and/or mathematical modelling/population simulation (preferred);
5. A significant or promising publication track record (preferred);
6. A demonstrated committment to wildlife conservation (preferred).

LOCATION OF POSITION

This position may be located in Davis (California), Nanaimo (British Columbia), or negotiated.

SALARY

Commensurate with NSERC or NSF post-doctoral salary levels.

APPLY

Step 1. Please apply online at http://www.wcs.org/about-us/careers.aspx

Step 2. Email the application to Drs. Damien Joly (djoly@wcs.org) and Martin Gilbert (mgilbert@wcs.org), including the following:

1) A current curriculum vitae
2) A research statement
3) Three representative published (or accepted for publication) scientific manuscripts as writing examples.

Please include the following code in your email subject line: GHP-Epi-AvInf-09-12

Review of applications will begin on Jan 15, 2010, and will continue until the position is filled.