at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Assistant Research Scientist, Wildlife EpidemiologyIllinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace differences. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.
The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI's mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and service that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world. Learn more at https://go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) which investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources is seeking a Wildlife Epidemiologist to develop, direct, coordinate, and conduct biostatistical analysis and modeling to support basic and applied research in Wildlife Epidemiological Studies of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Illinois.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Engage in the epidemiological modeling of factors that may influence CWD's spread in Illinois, including but not limited to transmission pathways, contact rates, and soil characteristics.
- Conduct biostatistical analysis to address complex CWD management evaluations while proposing achievable innovative strategies to control and manage CWD in the Illinois wild white-tailed deer herd.
- Conduct biostatistical analysis and model field strategies to increase the detection of CWD in wild WTD during the surveillance and hunter-harvest efforts.
Interface with the genetics research efforts to evaluate the impact of genetics on CWD distribution, population impacts, and management strategies. - Conduct modeling and statistical techniques in a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment.
- Disseminate results through the publication of manuscripts in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Contribute to compliance reports, manuscripts, and publications in the Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Laboratory at INHS.
- Be actively involved in interpreting project results and communicating scientific evidence produced by these efforts via presenting published manuscripts at scientific conferences.
- Coordinate and assist the Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Laboratory at INHS in disseminating project outcomes through popular articles.
- Collect data across Illinois from different sources (like spatial, laboratory, field, and peer-reviewed metadata) to conduct epidemiological and spatial modeling of CWD risk.
- Participate in field studies related to wildlife diseases.
- Participate in the integration of data from (field to laboratory) into a single computerized data bank that supports long-term data collection and future evaluations of the epidemiology of CWD in Illinois.
- Develop and sustain strong collaborative interactions with state biologists, faculty, staff, and students across INHS and the U of I campus to engage in data collection efforts that build on risk factors impacting CWD and the spread of wildlife diseases.
- Mentor, lead, and collaborate with the Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Laboratory team members to conduct ongoing epidemiological research efforts.
- Supervise and lead team members to foster a culture of innovation, high positive performance, and productivity. This includes participating in task assignments and scheduling to align resources for research and publication efforts.
- Support standard operating procedures and laboratory safety protocols, ensuring the team complies with biosafety rules and standard operating procedures.
- Lead efforts to keep operational spaces within the regulatory expectations of our standard operating protocols.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Illinois Natural History Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Ph.D. in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Disease ecology, or related field. Alternate degree fields may be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 2 years of experience with chronic wasting disease (CWD) dynamics and modeling techniques. Experience previously performing studies related to the epidemiology of CWD and spatial modeling of CWD risk. Demonstrated experience and proficiency in R coding, biostatistics, Bayesian methods, and spatial statistics to evaluate CWD management and propose viable strategies to control and manage CWD in the wild white-tailed deer of Illinois. Experience with hunter-harvest data and data management, a demonstrated solid foundation in experimental design, and a proven ability to finalize projects and publish peer-reviewed papers. Strong interest in disease modeling, epidemiology, and wildlife management; strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience working with hunters, handling carcasses and tissues for CWD and deer-related research; experience working at biosafety level 2 or higher. Valid Driver's License; Bio-Safety Level 2 Training.
Preferred Qualifications
Postdoctoral experience within the Illinois Natural History Survey's Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Lab. Experience in biostatistical analyses of data, using environmental characteristics like soil composition profiles to address complex disease issues in wildlife disease epidemiology; excellent quantitative, oral, and written communication skills; have served as a teaching assistant; demonstrated experience mentoring team members and ability to coordinate field and laboratory work. Preference will be given to candidates who have published in epidemiology, disease ecology, and CWD.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Effective communication, personal relations, excellent data management skills, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively in a multidisciplinary, diverse, fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Demonstrated proficiency and have a record of research in disease modeling and epidemiology using commonly employed software and databases, Bayesian methods, R coding, and spatial statistics used in epidemiology and disease risk modeling. Demonstrate interest and ability to communicate research professionally in oral and poster presentations and knowledge of writing and publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Environmental Demands
The job will require standing and stationary positions, working in a biosafety level 2 environment, and following precise decontamination protocols. The position will require using safety equipment, including cut-resistant gloves, face shields, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Safety glasses and protective clothing are required in designated laboratory areas or under predetermined field conditions. The job will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, snow, ice, etc.), traveling (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois, working irregular hours and overnights, lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 25 pounds and lifting items up to 40 pounds to waist height.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position. The starting salary is $64,000 and is commensurate with education, experience, and skill. The start date is negotiable.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on March 28, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Amber Hall at amberh@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .
Requisition ID: 1023603
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
