Post-doctoral Scholar in Disease Ecology at the University of San Diego
We invite applications for an NSF-funded postdoctoral scholar position in the disease ecology lab of Dr. Arietta Fleming-Davies at the University of San Diego, to start in spring 2023. Work will focus on ecological processes maintaining pathogen diversity in an insect-baculovirus system, the butterfly Dione vanillae (formerly Agraulis vanillae) and its lethal NPV. Postdoctoral work will include urban fieldwork at Southern California and Puerto Rico field sites, dose response and quantitative genetics experiments with D. vanillae larvae in the lab at USD, and mentoring of undergraduate research students from the University of San Diego and University of Puerto Rico. A focus on viral genomics is also possible for candidates with prior experience in molecular techniques and/or bioinformatics (not required). Our lab includes a dynamic community of undergraduate researchers, and will include one other quantitative postdoc working on a separate collaborative project. The postdoctoral scholar will also have the opportunity to interact with other remote collaborators in disease ecology and with other faculty in the department and at USD. This opportunity is ideal for someone interested in exploring a career at a primarily undergraduate institution, with a mix of teaching and research with undergraduate students. The postdoctoral scholar will teach one undergraduate course of their choice per semester at the University of San Diego.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, or related field (awarded by postdoc start date)
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as a mentor of undergraduate researchers
- Proficient in Spanish and English
Preferred Qualifications
- Candidates from groups underrepresented in science are particularly encouraged to apply
- Background and/or interest in tropical ecology, plant-insect interactions, disease ecology, field biology and/or bioinformatics
- Interest in undergraduate teaching, particularly at a primarily undergraduate institution (no prior teaching experience required)
One year position with possibility for reappointment up to three years total. Position includes full fringe benefits at USD. The Fleming-Davies lab strives to be an inclusive and welcoming space for all individuals to thrive. Start date is negotiable, with an ideal start date in late spring 2023, in time for a summer field season in Puerto Rico and California.
Interested candidates should apply online here by submitting a CV, a statement of interest (up to 2 pages max that highlights skills, interests, and experiences relevant to the proposed position, particularly those in research and mentoring), and contact information for three professional references. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Arietta Fleming-Davies at aflemingdavies@sandiego.edu.
Review of applications will begin December 15, 2022 but will continue until the position is filled.
About USD:
The University of San Diego, a contemporary and engaged Roman Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, USD seeks candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our community, especially in support of USD’s Horizon Project. Qualified candidates who are dedicated to empowering students from underserved communities through their teaching, research, creative and pedagogical scholarship, community engagement, service and/or mentoring are strongly encouraged to apply. Additional information about the University can be found at our website, www.sandiego.edu.
Coming soon: Quantitative postdoctoral position co-advised with Dr. Kate Langwig and Dr. Dana Hawley at Virginia Tech, for a project integrating data and models on host heterogeneity in the house finch Mycoplasma system. More information and application coming soon. Contact aflemingdavies@sandiego.edu with questions.