Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Cas Math Bio Synthesis Center

University of Tennessee - Knoxville, TN

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Knoxville, TN

Educational Services

About the position

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the Cas Math Bio Synthesis Center. This position focuses on the mathematical and computational modeling of epidemiological risk within wildlife trade networks, specifically in the Fefferman Lab. The successful candidate will engage in modeling efforts that emphasize network and game theoretic models, contributing to a deeper understanding of the dynamics involved in wildlife trade and its implications for epidemiology. The role requires the candidate to be proficient in computational programming languages such as Matlab, R, or Python, and to have a solid foundation in mathematical modeling techniques related to infectious disease epidemiology and network theory. The researcher will be responsible for formulating models, coding simulations, analyzing results, and preparing manuscripts for publication. Additionally, the candidate will play a key role in fostering a collaborative research environment and will be involved in the preparation of new grant proposals. This is a full-time position for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and progress towards mutually agreed benchmarks. The position offers flexibility, as it can be fully remote, allowing for a work-life balance while contributing to significant research in the field.

Responsibilities

• Modeling epidemiological risk in wildlife trade networks using network and game theoretic models.
• Formulate mathematical models and code simulations to analyze epidemiological data.
• Analyze results from simulations and prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.
• Contribute to a collaborative research group environment and participate in interdisciplinary research teams.
• Assist in the preparation of new grant proposals.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a relevant field such as applied mathematics, animal behavior, ecology, physics, engineering, epidemiology, or sociology.
• Research experience in applied mathematical and computational modeling.
• Ability to write clearly and scientifically, with evidence of successful prior publication being a plus.
• Strong communication skills to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Fluency in a mathematical programming environment, preferably Matlab, but also acceptable in Mathematica, C, R, Python, or equivalent.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with game theoretic and network theoretic models.

Benefits

• Flexible work environment with the possibility of remote work.
• Opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary research communities.