Position Function:
We are seeking up to two Research Epidemiological Modelers with an interest and experience in computational aspects of molecular and spatial epidemiology to work with an interdisciplinary team of professionals at Mississippi State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Geospatial and Environmental Epidemiology Research Unit (GEERU). The candidates will be responsible for development of advanced computational models of infectious disease evolution, transmission, and persistence with particular emphasis on diseases that impact agricultural infrastructure and pose a biosecurity threat to human populations in the U.S. and beyond. The candidate will be based out of the Geosystems Research Institute (GRI), an institute in the High Performance Collaboratory (HPC2) at Mississippi State University. Through these collaborations the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop a large, diverse, and well-connected professional network to leverage in their future career.
Salary Grade: 17
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Department Profile:
Established in 2000, the Geosystems Research Institute is a collaborative of academic scientists, engineers, and government and industry stakeholders active in conducting research to advance knowledge and practice in earth and it's systems to improve policy and public awareness. The Geosystems Research Institute's approach to research provides an avenue for Mississippi State University to build strong relationships with local, regional, and national agencies and businesses to do work aimed at solving some of today's most pressing environmental issues. In helping carry out Mississippi State University's mission of service and outreach, the Geosystems Research Institute offers a variety of educational opportunities and services to assist researchers, state and federal entities, and the public in utilizing geospatial technologies and data.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Research Epidemiological Modeler will have the opportunity to work across a variety of data types and research objectives in development of robust computational models of disease evolution and patterns of disease transmission. Duties may include but are not limited to:
• Develops models of pathogen transmission across space and time, assembly, and annotation of genomic and transcriptomic data.
• Responsible for the integration of molecular genotypic and phenotypic data with geospatial data.
• Responsible for the integration of epidemiolocal data into climate niche modeling.
• Develops bioinformatic models, and other duties as opportunities related to computational model development arise.
• Develops operational workflows, data curation and pipelines that may include the use of high-performance computing and may participate in design and analysis of field and molecular experiments.
• Participates in the preparation of technical reports, briefings, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications that demonstrate results to sponsors and stakeholders.
• Trains and mentors graduate and undergraduate student researchers in various research labs.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: M.S. degree, in biochemistry, veterinary or agricultural pathology, epidemiology, bioinformatics, computer science or engineering, computational modeling or a related field.
Experience: 2 years’ experience working in an epidemiological or spatial/computational modeling arena or related.
Preferred Qualifications:
Applicants with Ph.D.’s, or equivalent experience, are particularly encouraged to submit an application. In addition to the required qualifications above, preferred qualifications include experience with computational epidemiological modeling, spatial data analysis, GIS, climate niche modeling, and bioinformatics Experience working with infectious diseases in animals, with emphasis on disease risk in production systems is preferred. Experience with high performance computing in a parallel coding environment is also preferred. Experience working with project teams comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives; and demonstrated evidence of implementation of these concepts in previous employment is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The position will require strong epidemiological data and/or computational modeling skills, strong interpersonal communication skills, the ability to work closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, professionals and students, and the ability to work and think independently. The position will also require strong writing skills for report and publication development. Applicants must have excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills. The Research Epidemiological Modeler must be self-motivated, able to work independently and effectively, and be willing to collaborate effectively across a range of disciplines.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
This position may require some travel to meetings and conferences within U.S. The position will be primarily computational, with the opportunity to work in research labs focused on molecular epidemiology. The position will require minimal or no work in field conditions or strenuous activities.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must include: 1) cover letter, 2) resume or Curriculum Vitae, 3) contact information for three references, and 4) academic transcripts. Applicants must complete an application through the MSU HRM website, but should also email a copy of the cover letter and resume/CV directly to kristine.evans@msstate.edu.
Applicants may contact Dr. Kristine Evans [kristine.evans@msstate.edu] with any questions prior to application submission.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
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If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
