Postdoctoral Research Scholar

The mission of the Department of Population Health and Pathobiology is to recruit, train, inspire and graduate Doctors of Veterinary Medicine of exemplary knowledge, skill, and character. In order to maintain the intellectual and professional climate necessary to accomplish this mission, the department's faculty will advance veterinary medical science through innovative basic and applied research, inspired mentoring of students (undergraduate, professional, residents, and graduate), excellence in clinical and diagnostic services, and innovative extension and engagement activities. North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine ( CVM) is a dynamic community whose members are dedicated to preparing veterinarians and veterinarian scientists while advancing animal and human health from the cellular level through entire ecosystems.

With the graduation of its first class in 1985, the CVM is one of the younger veterinary programs in the country. Despite its relative youth, the College has gained international recognition on the strength of its teaching, research, engagement, and patient care efforts and is ranked 3rd among the nation's 28 colleges of veterinary medicine in the current U.S. News & World Report survey.

Located on 180 acres near downtown Raleigh, the College encompasses 20 buildings on the main Centennial Biomedical Campus. Instruction is in three departments-Clinical Sciences, Molecular Biomedical Sciences, and Population Health Pathobiology. In addition to the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, there are programs leading to master and doctoral degrees in several areas with numerous opportunities for specialization.

Duties and Responsibilities: Main role: The project's objective is to inform control strategies and help develop more effective control strategies for endemic and emerging viral diseases in livestock populations by:

1) Analyzing the epidemiological and dispersal dynamics of circulating endemic viral disease at various levels (farm, barn, room, and pen) in swine farms to estimate total and transmission route specific costs.

2) Examining this cost-effectiveness of vaccination protocols and biosecurity measures at farm, barn, room, and pen-levels.

3) Cost-benefit analysis of vehicle and trailer rerouting to prevent disease propagation

4) Identification the cost of transmission routes of the spread of endemic swine disease at farm, barn, room, and pen levels, via analyzing results of simulation modeling.

The available data set includes animal, semen, and truck movement data at the farm level, weekly disease occurrence with genetic sequences, complete on-farm biosecurity, disease intervention. In summary, this work will unravel transmission, estimate epidemic parameters, identify spread determinants, and assess the impact of interventions. In addition, many potential research projects are available so that the research focus may be tailored to the interests and skills of the individual. There will also be opportunities to seek grant funding to develop related, independent research. Access to high-powered computing is available through Machado's lab Laboratory website ( https://machado-lab.github.io/)

Position terms: The initial appointment will be 12 months. Salary is expected to be in the range of $58,656 to $62,000 and will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the individuals. A starting date of February 2025 or earlier is preferred. Screening of applications will begin immediately.

Environment: The Machado Lab develops and deploys epidemiological methods that fully integrate disease evolution, animal movement, and spatial processes to estimate disease transmission and spread. Ultimately, we work in the development of new computational tools for both tracking spread and prescribing non-pharmaceutical intervention regimens. New members will work in a group with a strong background in epidemiology, disease spread modeling, evolutionary epidemiology, social networks, and mathematical modeling. The new member will benefit from the national and international collaboration networks that our lab has developed.

Collect and organize data for research activities. Collaborate with the PI in generating and testing research hypotheses and data analysis, writing papers, grants, and reports, and preparing presentations and lectures.

As needed, participate in laboratory meetings, seminars, graduate and undergraduate lectures, and conferences.

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The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. in a relevant quantitative discipline (computational biology, engineering, ecology, epidemiology, applied mathematics, physics, computer sciences, statistics, economics or other quantitative fields).

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. in a relevant quantitative discipline (computational biology, engineering, ecology, epidemiology, applied mathematics, physics, computer sciences, statistics, economics or other quantitative fields).

Previous experience estimating the cost-benefit of livestock disease control

The selected candidate has moderate to extensive experience in R or other open-source-related statistical software.

Evidence of original publications in the peer-reviewed literature.

Good communication and experience in developing grant proposals and taking the lead in projects.

Ability to work independently and in collaboration. The candidate will publish and present their work at conferences as part of the position.

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NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

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.

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