Applications are currently being solicited for a post-doctoral research associate in the area of mathematical modeling of evolutionary sociobiology and/or epidemiology at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. The lab's research focuses on the modeling of the evolution of sociality, studying questions of self-organizational strategies, societal stability, organizational success, and population robustness to disease threats. Questions explored are both theoretical and applied, and an ideal candidate would be interested in both aspects of the work.

  Requirements:

• A Ph.D. in some pertinent field. Such fields could include, but are not limited to applied mathematics, computer science, ecology, epidemiology, or evolutionary biology
• Some research experience in applied mathematical modeling (within any scientific field would qualify)
• A basic understanding of statistics (can be extremely basic), or at least a willingness to learn independently
• An interest in evolutionary socio-biology
• An interest in disease and epidemics
• The ability to write clearly and scientifically (e.g. to produce drafts of papers for publication in scientific journals without too much oversight)
• Ability to work/communicate with a multidisciplinary team
• Ideally, a candidate would have some computer programming abilities, but this is not necessary
• Ideally, a candidate would have some experience mentoring undergraduate level-research, but this is not necessary
• Willingness to help with the preparation of grant proposals would be a plus

An ideal candidate could come from theoretical biology, ecology, or public health, but could also come from a program in applied mathematics, computer science, operations research, bio-engineering, or nearly any other technical field. The lab runs jointly between The Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science and the department for Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, so there exists the possibility to play with the job title for those wishing to work in biology for a while, but then possibly return to math or computer science.

This position could be appropriate not only to new Ph.Ds, but also to more advanced researchers looking to switch fields, or re-enter academia from government or industry.

This is a full-time, one year position with benefits, renewable for an additional year if things work out well. Ideal start date: January 2009, however this is negotiable. For further questions, or to apply by sending CV and statement of interest, send email to Nina H. Fefferman at <fefferman ( at ) aesop.rutgers.edu>. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive.