Postdoctoral Research Scholar

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attend sporting events

Job summary

The Machado Lab at NC State University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to co-lead the development of mathematical disease spread models that analyze transmission among swine and poultry farms across multiple states.

You will calibrate models with animal movement data, disease reports, and sequences, evaluate biosecurity measures, and collaborate with state animal health departments and veterinarians.

Qualifications

• Experience with Python, R, or other open-source statistical software.
• Practical experience building transmission models, especially mechanistic/process-based.
• Experience fitting models to data.
• Evidence of original publications in peer-reviewed literature.
• Good communication and ability to work independently or in collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop multiscale spatial mathematical models (e.g., Pigspread, MHASpread) and calibrate them onto curated data (e.g., animal movement, weekly disease occurrence, genetic sequences, on-farm biosecurity).
• Quantify the role of individual transmission routes to spread between and within commercial poultry farms and swine operations.
• Evaluate controls, biosecurity strategies, and assess the role of ventilation systems as alternative biocontainment control interventions.
• Work with extensive population datasets on swine and large commercial poultry-producing states.
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications and collaborate effectively with animal health departments, USDA, poultry veterinarians, and swine producers.

Skills

Python

R

Transmission models

Model fitting

Publications

Communication

Job description

Department ID 196001 - Department of Population Health and Pathobiology

Department

Department 196001 - Department of Population Health and Pathobiology

Job City & State

Position Information

Position Overview

Position Information

The Machado Lab evaluates and develops computational epidemiological methods integrating disease evolution, animal movement, and spatial processes to estimate transmission and spread. We develop new tools for tracking spread and prescribing non-pharmaceutical interventions.
This position will co-lead the development of new mathematical disease spread models that analyze the propagation of swine diseases and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza ( HPAI ) at farm and barn levels across multiple states.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop multiscale spatial mathematical models (e.g., Pigspread, MHASpread) and calibrate them onto curated data (e.g., animal movement, weekly disease occurrence, genetic sequences, on-farm biosecurity).
• Quantify the role of individual transmission routes to spread between and within commercial poultry farms and swine operations.
• Evaluate controls, biosecurity strategies, and assess the role of ventilation systems as alternative biocontainment control interventions.
• Work with extensive population datasets on swine and large commercial poultry-producing states.
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications and collaborate effectively with animal health departments, USDA , poultry veterinarians, and swine producers.

Other Work/Responsibilities

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

• Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Requirements and Preferences

Work Schedule

Work Schedule Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Department Required Skills

• Experience in Python, R, or other open-source related statistical software.
• Practical experience with building transmission models, particularly those that are process-based and mechanistic.
• Previous work related with fitting model to data.
• Evidence of original publications in the peer-reviewed literature.
• Good communication and ability to work independently or in collaboration.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

Previous experience with multiscale mathematical models is highly considered. Background in epidemiology, disease spread modeling, evolutionary epidemiology, and social networks are also assets.

Required License or Certification

n/a

Valid NC Driver's License required?

Valid NC Driver's License required? No

Commercial Driver's License Required?

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Recruitment

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range $65,000

If you anticipate multiple hires from this search, please indicate how many

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you learn of this opportunity?
  • NCSU Website
  • NCSU Executive Search Services
  • Monster.com
  • CareerBuilder.com
  • InsideHigherEd.com
  • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
  • Job / Career Fair
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education
  • HERC
  • Professional Journal
  • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
  • Professional Organization
  • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
  • NCSU Employee Referral
  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
  • Other
• If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * According to our university's regulations, a postdoctoral scholar needs to have successfully completed their terminal degree no more than 5 years from the start date of their appointment. Given this, please provide the date (MM/DD/YYYY) your terminal degree has been or will be confirmed.

  (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Contact Information for References
• Resume/CV

Optional Documents

NC STATE UNIVERSITY
RALEIGH, NC 27695
PHONE: [phone]