The members of the national SARS-CoV-2/cervid Targeted Surveillance Team are seeking a post-doctoral researcher over the next several months to join our collaboration. The Team's overarching objective is to uncover the ecological conditions that generate spatial hotspots of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and persistence in free-ranging wildlife. We are particularly excited about recruiting an individual with strong interests in interdisciplinary disease ecology and specific skills in spatial ecology, epidemiological modelling, and GIS. This new team member will lead development of methods for estimating human visitation and human-deer interaction intensity in different land cover types and develop computational and statistical models for explaining epidemiological dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 at the wildlife-human interface. The work will be in collaboration with a broader team collecting SARS-CoV-2 surveillance data in wildlife.

The full-time position is located at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities Campus) in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior. At the University of Minnesota, you will find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package. This is a limited-term position funded for up to 2 years from date of hire pending performance. Start date is flexible, but spring 2024 is preferable.

The postdoctoral fellow will collaborate closely with USDA, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center.

Qualifications:

-Competitive candidates should be highly motivated and possess a PhD in disease ecology or epidemiology or a related discipline with a strong quantitative emphasis. The selected candidate must provide evidence all requirements have been met for the completion of the PhD prior to the effective date of hire. Specific experience with Program R and methods in advanced spatial ecology/statistics is required. Other preferred skills include managing big data, statistical inference, network science, geography, human mobility data, and/or machine learning. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment is essential.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Please provide: (1) a cover letter detailing your experiences for the qualifications above and how they have prepared you for this position, (2) a CV, (3) names and contact information of three professional references, and (4) two relevant publications. Please submit these materials to Dr. Meggan Craft () as a single pdf. Applicants will need to also submit the same application materials to University of Minnesota's employment website by: 1) visiting , 2) "Applying for a job" then choosing the option that corresponds to the applicant's situation/status, and 3) searching for Job ID 358672.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).