Post-Doctoral Research Scientist Theoretical Epidemiology

Rothamsted Research, the UK's oldest and largest agricultural research centre, is seeking suitably qualified mathematical modellers, ecologists and epidemiologists for a post-doctoral position to work on fundamental and applied aspects of models for the detection and control of invasive plant pathogens. The models will specifically be applied to the invasion of the Ug99-strain of stem rust and the invasion of cassava infecting viruses. The project is a collaboration with Cambridge University, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT, Mexico/Ethiopia), Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute (Tanzania) and the National Crop Resources Research Institute (Uganda).

The candidate will develop generic models for the epidemiology of invasive plant pathogens as well as methods to detect the pathogen at an early stage in the invasion. Specifically the models will underpin the monitoring and control programmes of Ug99 and cassava viruses led by our African Partners. The successful applicants must be willing to travel to the collaborating institutes frequently.

The post will be located in the Computational and Systems Biology Department at Rothamsted Research under the supervision of Dr Frank van den Bosch with close interactions with the internal and external collaborators. Informal enquiries about this post can be directed to Dr Frank van den Bosch (frank.vandenbosch@rothamsted.ac.uk or 01582 763133 x2372) or Dr Stephen Parnell (stephen.parnell@rothamsted.ac.uk or 01582 763133 x2900).

This appointment is full time within Band D-PD with a starting salary normally in the region of £28,110 and £31,677 per annum. The post is available for two years initially with the possibility of extension to five years (funding has been secured).

Apply by application form only, available with further particulars from www.rothamsted.ac.uk or from the HR Group, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, rres.hr@rothamsted.ac.uk

Please quote reference 1215.

Closing date: 2 November 2012.

An Equal Opportunities Employer.

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