An NSF-funded postdoctoral research position is available in the Wildlife Disease Genetics Laboratory at the University of Maine to study the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases, focused on anthrax in herbivorous wildlife in Namibia and South Africa. The postdoc will join an international, interdisciplinary team, and will work closely with the PI (Dr. Pauline Kamath), collaborators, and students to design and lead research both in the lab and field. The successful candidate will integrate genomic and ecological data to examine genome to disease phenotype relationships in wildlife hosts, but will also have the flexibility to pursue related questions in the general areas of host-pathogen evolution and disease transmission in wildlife-disease systems. Funding is available for 1 year (renewable up to 3 years, depending on funding and successful performance). Typical salary for this position is $45,000-$47,000 commensureate with experience and qualifications.
Essential Duties:
- Plan and conduct assigned and/or original research projects autonomously while also working together with the PI, staff, students, and collaborators.
- Maintain accurate records of research finding and the analysis of results.
- Assist in the management of the research laboratory.
- Prepare publications, grant proposals, and reports in collaboration with the PI, collaborators, and students.
- Present research findings at professional meetings.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
About the University:
The Kamath Lab conducts research on the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases in animal populations. We work across a range of wildlife species, from birds to mammals with a focus on host-pathogen evolution and infectious disease transmission dynamics at the wildlife-livestock interface. This work involves both field and laboratory components, and multidisciplinary analyses that integrate genetic information with ecological, immunological, and epidemiological data. Some of the current wildlife disease systems we are working on include pneumonia in wild and domestic sheep and goats, wild turkey disease ecology and evolution, anthrax in wild ungulates of southern Africa, and avian pathogens in migrating and resident birds along the Palearctic-African Flyway. More information on the Kamath Lab can be found here.
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,200 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus and throughout the state. UMaine is the state land and sea grant university and maintains a leadership role as the System’s flagship university. As a result, it is dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research, and service at the university, state, and national levels.
Further information about UMaine can be found at https://umaine.edu/
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live.
Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Ph.D. (or equivalent) in ecology, evolution, epidemiology, microbiology, genomics, or related discipline by the start date of the appointment.
- Strong quantitative and writing skills
- Experience in applying genetic approaches to ecological datasets
Preferred:
- Strong publication record in disease ecology and evolution
- Demonstrated skills in genomics, bioinformatics, and statistical analyses
- Experience in laboratory management
- Experience working in diverse teams
- Experience in mentoring students
Other Information:
Materials must be submitted via “Apply For Position” below. You will need to create a profile and application; upload
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
3.) contact information for three professional references.
You will also need to complete the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status forms. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
Updated Search Timeline:
Review of applications to begin: 05/22/2020
Screening interviews to begin no earlier than: 06/01/2020
On-site interviews to begin no earlier than: 06/29/2020
Tentative start date: 09/01/2020
For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Pauline Kamath at pauline.kamath@maine.edu or 207-581-2935.
Appropriate background checks are required.
The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Amie Parker, Interim Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
Length: Fiscal Year (12 Months)
Required Documents: Cover Letter, References, Resume/CV
