Dear all,

Please see below for a position announcement at the University of Florida
Department of Plant Pathology. The position focuses on the epidemiology of
the pathogen that causes Huanglongbing (HLB) disease of citrus and involves
spatio-temporal modeling and GIS. If interested, please contact Dr. Ariena
van Bruggen: [log in to unmask]

Regards,
Curtis



POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Title: Post Doc – Modeling plant pathogen transmission and disease
management

Location: EMERGING PATHOGENS INSTITUE / PLANT PATHOLOGY
INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (IFAS)
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (UF)
GAINESVILLE, FL

Salary: $41,000 /year or more depending on research experience according to
the NIH scale, plus post doctoral associate benefits of UF

Position Open To: Review of the applicants will begin on January 31, 2014.
The position needs to be filled as soon as possible.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Plant Epidemiology Group at the
interdisciplinary Emerging Pathogens Institute and the Plant Pathology
Department of the University of Florida in Gainesville is seeking a
postdoctoral researcher to work on the epidemiology of the pathogen causing
Huanglongbing (HLB) disease of citrus. A significant part of the project
will involve spatio-temporal modeling and GIS. The research requires the
use of various computer programs for simulation and risk modeling and
possibly molecular tools (qPCR) for pathogen detection. The model will also
include an economic component to optimize disease management strategies.
The candidate will carry out research independently under guidance of the
faculty supervisor, collaborate with other faculty of the EPI, co-supervise
a PhD student in a similar research area, and assist with writing of grant
proposals. The incumbent is expected to conduct fundamental and applied
research and publish in international refereed journals.  This position
will initially be for one year, but potentially for 2 years depending on
the performance of the postdoctoral associate. Implementation of the
Affirmative Action program of the University of Florida is required.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: A PhD in ecology, plant pathology or entomology will
be required; experience with complex statistical analyses, GIS and computer
simulation or risk modeling is also required. Applications from
mathematicians with excellent understanding of biology will also be
considered. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and
written communication, ability to establish and maintain good interpersonal
relationships, and to procure extramural funding. Candidates must also have
a commitment to IFAS’ core values of excellence, diversity, global
involvement, and accountability.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  This position is housed primarily at the Emerging
Pathogens Institute and to a lesser extent at the Plant Pathology
Department in Gainesville, Florida. The Emerging Pathogens Institute is an
interdisciplinary institute dealing with introduced and threatening human,
veterinary and plant disease problems. The Plant Pathology Department is a
well-established and renowned research and educational institution with 16
faculty members located on the Gainesville campus and 22 faculty located
across the state at research and education centers.  The University of
Florida is a Land-Grant institution with an enrollment in excess of 48,000
students on the Gainesville campus.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested persons are requested to submit electronically the
following items: (1) A letter of application including a short paragraph
about your research goals; (2) Resume; (3) List of publications in
international refereed journals; (4) A copy of transcripts from all
universities attended; and (4) Names of three individuals with first-hand
knowledge of your academic accomplishments/post graduate work experience.
 All of the above items must be submitted by the closing date of January
31, 2014.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

RETURN INQUIRIES TO:   Prof. Dr. Ariena van Bruggen    E-Mail:
[log in to unmask]
Dept. of Plant Pathology, UF/IFAS, 1453 Fifield Hall
 Gainesville, FL 32611

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity, equal access,
affirmative action employer.  The Government in the sunshine laws of
Florida requires that all documents relating to the search process,
including letters of application/nomination and reference, except
transcripts, be available for public inspection.  Persons with disabilities
have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.