A position is available at the University of Georgia for a postdoctoral associate to work on the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of multi-host multi-pathogen systems. The goal of the study is to identify diagnostic evolutionary signatures of host-pathogen interactions in model systems and surveillance data. Study systems include avian/human/swine influenza viruses, West Nile virus in North American birds, and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD)/Bluetongue Virus (BTV) in white-tailed deer. There is considerable scope for new work to be developed and interested applicants are encouraged to inquire for details. The ideal applicant will have a PhD in a quantitative field (ecology, epidemiology, biostatistics, nonlinear dynamical systems, bioinformatics, etc.) with previous experience in the analysis of ecological or epidemiological data. The position is for 1-3 years, with a salary in the range of $37,000-$45,000 per year (depending on experience), plus fringe benefits. For further information about the position, please contact Dr. John Drake (jdrake@uga.edu). To apply, please send a detailed CV, together with a brief statement of research interests and contact information for three references.

POPULATION DYNAMICS AND CONTROL OF WEST NILE VIRUS IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
We are looking for a postdoctoral associate to join a joint project between the University of Georgia and the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on the population dynamics of West Nile Virus in New York City. Goals of this project are to understand the environmental drivers of transmission in heterogeneous structured environments, to develop a statistical understanding aimed at developing early warning systems for vector-borne outbreaks, and to identify strategies for containment and control. The successful applicant should have a background in population biology of infectious diseases, epidemiology, or medical entomology. Experience with the R programming language for either geostatistics or time series analysis is required. Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable: spatial point processes, spatial generalized linear models, generalized additive models (GAMs), estimation with Markov Chain Monte Carlo, statistical or machine learning, semiparametric modeling, or mapping and data management with geographic information systems (GIS).

The position is initially for one year with a starting salary of $41,715. Start date is negotiable. Potential applicants are encouraged to email (jdrake@uga.edu) a letter of introduction, CV, and expression of interest.

For more information about the Graduate Program in Ecology and instructions for applying, please see http://www.ecology.uga.edu/programs.htm. Potential students are strongly encouraged to email (jdrake@uga.edu) a letter of introduction and expression of interest well in advance of the application deadline (November 1, 2008).  

Funding is immediately available for the following positions. Outstanding applicants with other interests are encouraged to contact us about for information about fellowships and other sources of funding.  

POPULATION ECOLOGY OF BRANCHIOPODA IN TEMPORARY PONDS
Drs. John Drake (University of Georgia) and Stephen Golladay (Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center) are seeking a graduate student at either the MS or PhD level to study the population ecology of rare branchiopod crustaceans in temporary ponds of the Ichauway conservation site in southwest Georgia. Results of this work will be used in the conservation and restoration of coastal plain isolated wetlands. The successful applicant will complete coursework at the Odum School of Ecology (University of Georgia) and will be subsequently stationed at the Jones Center for research.  For more information about joint program between the Odum School of Ecology and the Jones Center, please see http://www.ecology.uga.edu/facilities/assocfacil/josephjones.htm. For more information about the Jones Center, including information about the site, facilities, and programs, please see http://www.jonesctr.org/.

ALLEE EFFECTS AND POPULATION DYNAMICS OF SEXUALLY REPRODUCING SPECIES
A research assistantship is available for a PhD student to work on Allee effects, population dynamics, and extinction in laboratory populations of sexually reproducing species. Research will involve a combination of theory, ecological modeling, and experiments. The opportunity is available to extend these projects to field trials in temporary ponds. Prior training may be in ecology, biology, or limnology. 

POPULATION DYNAMICS EFFECTS OF AGING AND SENESCENCE
A research assistantship is available for a PhD student to work on population effects of individual variation in aging in Daphnia and other crustaceans. Research will involve a combination of theory, ecological modeling, and experiments. The opportunity is available to extend these projects to other groups or field systems. Prior training may be in ecology, biology, genetics, limnology or invertebrate zoology.