Position ID: | Cornell-Entomology/CALS-ARBORVIRUSPOSTDOC [#17383] |
Position Title: | Arbovirus Postdoc Associate |
Position Type: | Postdoctoral |
Position Location: | Ithaca, New York 14853, United States [map] |
Subject Area: | Biology |
Appl Deadline: | 2021/01/15 11:59PM![]() |
Position Description: |
Postdoctoral Associate College
Description: The College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and home
to Cornell University’s second largest population of students, faculty and
staff. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through
world-renowned research, education and outreach. The questions we probe and the
answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems;
food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic
well-being. CALS is
fundamentally invested in improving the lives of people, their environments and
their communities both in New York state and around the world. Summary: A postdoctoral position is
available in the laboratory of Courtney Murdock at Cornell University (Ithaca,
NY, USA), for a highly motivated candidate to study how different environmental
drivers impact host-pathogen interactions and transmission in the yellow fever
mosquito vector (Aedes aegypti) –
arbovirus system. The research project will utilize data generated from experiments and mathematical models to understand the implications of life history trade-offs for arbovirus transmission and control. Transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens largely depends on both the density of mosquito vectors as well as the duration of time they are alive, biting, and infectious. Life history theory and evidence from a diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate systems indicate that competitive allocation of resources within an individual result in trade-offs across life history traits (e.g. survival and reproduction, immunity and reproduction, etc.) and seemingly sub-optimal expression of many phenotypes. Further, environmental variation in natural systems will define the nature and magnitude of these trade-offs. Yet, most predictive models that assess transmission dynamics or various control strategies are parameterized from entomological data collected under standard rearing conditions and do not account for physiological trade-offs across life history parameters. Thus, the existence and strength of these trade-offs will directly impact mosquito transmission via changes in mosquito immunity (altering host susceptibility, host infectiousness, and EIP), reproduction (vector biting and intrinsic population growth rates), and survival (number of opportunities to bite while infectious). Major outcomes of this project will include an improved conceptual framework for the environmental epidemiology of arbovirus transmission based on mosquito biology and life history theory and new modeling approaches that apply this knowledge to make predictions to inform control. Job
Description/Position Function: Establishing an in vitro arbovirus
cultures (dengue, wildtype chikungunya, Zika viruses) (10%) The postdoctoral research
will be expected to establish and maintain a steady production of arbovirus to
support mosquito infection experiments outlined in the above research program. The
Murdock lab has experience doing mosquito infection experiments with dengue,
Zika, and attenuated chikungunya viruses. Data collection, analysis and interpretation (55%) The postdoctoral researcher
will design, execute and interpret all experiments related to the project in
collaboration with the lab PI and other lab members. The postdoctoral researcher
is responsible to write the manuscripts for publication associated to the
current project. In addition, the postdoc will contribute to writing of grants,
publications and fellowships. The postdoctoral researcher
will present results at scientific conferences. The postdoc will also actively
seek collaborations and new ideas by attending talks and reading literature.
The postdoc will help generate material for the lab website and for a lab-based
blog about scientific discoveries. The postdoc will be responsible for writing
protocols for the laboratory procedures used in this project. The postdoctoral researcher
will participate in the overseeing and management of general lab operations,
help train graduate and undergraduate students and assist graduate students,
other postdocs, or other staff when necessary. As every member of the
laboratory, the postdoctoral researcher will be involved in common tasks that
includes maintaining a clean and organized laboratory, maintaining equipment
and computers in the lab, placing eshop orders for equipment and supplies, adhering
to chemical safety procedures as well as disposal of waste and hazardous
material and ensure that all protocols and procedures adhere to safety requirements
as mandated by the Cornell Office of Occupational & Environmental Health
and the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Personal and professional development (10%) The postdoctoral researcher
will seek out and attend educational seminars and training workshops relevant
to the research, attend weekly lab meetings and continuously maintain all
required educational and position qualifications to fulfill job
requirements. Term of
position: This is a full-time position and will be located in (Ithaca, New York). This is a (one-year) appointment with possible extension depending on available work, funding and performance. Expected start date for this position is May 3, 2021. Required Qualifications: Candidates must possess a
Ph.D. in virology, immunology/microbiology/host-microbe interactions or a
related biological discipline by May 3, 2021 and be self-motivated, and
have excellent communication (verbal and written English) and organizational
skills. Solid molecular biology and cell culture skills, experience working
with arboviruses in vertebrate hosts and / or mosquitoes, and proficiency in
statistics and data analysis preferred. A strong interest in applying
ecological and evolutionary concepts and theory to infectious disease and a
solid understanding and / or ability to execute (or desire to learn) different
classes of mathematical models are highly desirable. Applicants should also
have a strong interest and experience in mentoring undergraduate and graduate
students. Salary: Commensurate with experience Supervision
exercised:
none Application
Instructions: Interested
applicants should submit a CV, letter of interest, research statement, contact
information for 3 references and a statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and
inclusion via Academic Jobs Online at the following link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/17383.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is
selected or deadline for applications is 1/15/2021. If you have
questions about this position, please email ccm256@cornell.edu. College of Agriculture
and Life Sciences Employment Assistance: If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity at voice (607) 255-3976, fax (607) 255-7481, or email at owdi@cornell.edu. For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting. Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application. Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant. EEO Statement: Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement. |