Research Associate III – Abdo Lab

The Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology ( MIP ) Department is comprised of over 400 individuals who share a common passion for solving some of the most important human and animal health problems today. Research programs include those related to mycobacteria, retroviruses, prions, and arthropod-borne infectious diseases, as well as the diagnostic investigation of naturally-occurring animal diseases. A leader in education, MIP provides the only microbiology undergraduate degree program in Colorado, a graduate program that provides training in a number of cutting-edge disciplines, and several specialized veterinary residency training programs.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated, innovative individual for a Research Associate III position with Colorado State University and USDA , Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center. The overall goal of the fellowship is to develop quantitative decision-support tools for mitigating disease risks from rabies in wild carnivores. The successful candidate will report to Dr. Zaid Abdo and be assigned to the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology. The candidate will work in collaboration with Drs Amy Gilbert and Kim Pepin, USDA – APHIS – NWRC .

Required Job Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD or MS and 2 years demonstrated experience in the area of quantitative population biology, quantitative ecology, epidemiology, mathematical biology, computational biology or similar disciplines. The successful candidate will have a strong quantitative background in statistical/computational/mathematical modeling of populations and/or diseases, and be proficient in at least one programming language (e.g., R, Matlab, C++, etc…). This candidate will possess a strong work ethic, excellent organizational and communication skills, knowledge of standard computer applications, and the ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse research team.

Preferred Job Qualifications

Experience with individual-based modeling, population-level metapopulation models, hierarchical Bayesian models and GIS skills is desired. Demonstrated experience developing novel quantitative approaches and apply them to the real world problem of rabies elimination in wild carnivores. This will involve employing different communication skills to address multiple stakeholders (academic, government, industry).

Diversity Statement

•Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties

Job Duty Category

Research

Duty/Responsibility

Job duties include:

• Develop individual based or population based models for the study of population dynamics and disease spread.

• Computationally implement models to conduct relevant simulation studies

• Evaluate the fit, sensitivity and robustness models

• Develop a statistical/computational framework to fit models to observed data

• Manipulate and process data

• Other appropriate tasks required by the supervisor

Percentage Of Time

60

Job Duty Category

Supervision

Duty/Responsibility

Training and supervising undergraduate, graduate students and technicians in all of the above procedures.

Percentage Of Time

10

Job Duty Category

Writing/Communication

Duty/Responsibility

a) Submitting research articles to refereed journals

b) Presenting results at National and International scientific conferences

Percentage Of Time

30

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

A complete application includes cover letter that addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications, a CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references including relationship and current supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notification.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials

Search Contact

Zaid Abdo, Zaid.Abdo@colostate.edu

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy and will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Executive Director of the Office of Support and Safety Assessment, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523 -2026, (970) 491-7407.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Executive Director of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity, Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University ( CSU ) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested

3

Maximum Requested

3