Postdoctoral Fellowship in pandemic prevention and disease dynamics: The Plowright Lab at Cornell University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to help lead research investigating the dynamics of viral zoonoses in reservoir hosts, to help coordinate transdisciplinary research on zoonotic spillover, and to help build new efforts to understand the mechanisms of viral spillover in the context of anthropogenic stressors.

Research Context and Opportunity: The postdoc will have the opportunity to leverage many years of bat viral spillover data collected in the field and the lab to examine mechanisms of spillover and potential preventative actions. The ideal Postdoctoral Scientist will lead scientific data exploration and manuscript preparation, support a center grant application on transdisciplinary investigations of spillovers, strengthen collaborations with international and on-campus partners, and contribute to the design and implementation of new studies to understand the role of bats in spillovers. The postdoc will contribute to a collegial and collaborative lab dynamic.

Qualifications Essential Qualifications:

● A PhD in ecology, epidemiology, or related discipline

● Established publication record and record of completing projects in a timely manner

● Excellent quantitative skills, especially statistical

● Experience processing, manipulating, and modeling data

● Demonstrated proficiency with R

● Excellent technical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

● Strong attention to detail and meticulous work style, evidenced by previous research

● Interpersonal and communication skills

● Ability to work both independently, collaboratively, and with culturally diverse colleagues on new or existing projects, including:

Ability to design and develop work plans and manage priorities, A thoughtful and reflective approach to cultural competence, Ability to provide clear and consistent communication to actively engage colleagues.

● Ability to communicate research findings in professional contexts

Preferred Qualifications:

● Prior research experience, after PhD

● Experience working with disease dynamics and zoonotic systems

Research Environment and Benefits: The postdoc will join a large international and transdisciplinary team spanning multiple continents, focused on understanding and preventing pathogen spillover. There will be opportunities to work with Bat One Health and the Lancet Commission for the Prevention of Viral Spillover. The position will be based in the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health within the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The candidate would join a cohort of post-doctoral and doctoral researchers in the Plowright lab and a larger group of disease ecologists in the Wildlife Disease Lab shared with Dr. Gamble that create a supportive and stimulating research environment.

We offer a competitive salary based on educational background and relevant experience. The annual salary range would be $61,008- $80,000. The position will be full-time with benefits, including health insurance. The researcher is expected to be present in Ithaca, NY, throughout the contract, and office space will be provided at Cornell University. This position is for two years (with annual contract that can be extended after one year, based on performance and continued funding). To Apply: Candidates should submit the following materials as a single pdf file as “LastName.pdf” that includes:

● A cover letter explaining your motivation for applying for this position, how your prior research experience qualifies you for the position, your career goals, how you can contribute to our organization's culture

● CV (including publication list and clear specification of relevant quantitative skills);

● Two representative publications (full text)

● Names and contact details for three references All application materials should be submitted electronically through Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/28001

Deadline: we will screen applicants on a rolling basis until a qualified candidate is identified or until October 1st. Please email Emma Spence (es957@cornell.edu) if you would like to discuss details about the position.

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