Post-doctoral opportunity in “Mathematical Modeling of Insect Invasion Dynamics, as informed by Pathosystem Genomics Data”
Context
Insect invasions are characterized by systematic changes in population numbers over time and space as insects reproduce and disperse into new host territory. The mountain pine beetle in North America is a system where an indigenous species has recently increased its range to the point of threatening novel host species. Although the population dynamics of the natural system within its previous host range (British Columbia, W. of the Rocky Mountains) is relatively well-researched, there is tremendous uncertainty within the new host range (Alberta, E. of the Rocky Mountains) on key parameters, including beetle dispersal rates, host suitability, host vigor, and fungal pathogenicity.
Opportunity
A significant interdisciplinary project (THE TRIA PROJECT. Mountain Pine Beetle System Genomics) has been mounted to examine the population genetics and functional genomics of the beetle-fungus-tree interaction, in order to characterize the uncertainty surrounding key population processes affecting outbreak wave propagation eastward. The project is seeking a qualified mathematician to work with its team of scientists to develop a mathematical model of mountain pine beetle invasion biology that will use genomics-based data to inform the spread model. These data include population genetic structure data (for the beetle, fungus, and tree) and functional genomics data (genome-wide responses to environmental stresses) pertaining to critical aspects of the beetle-fungus-host interaction.
The incumbent will have a PhD in mathematics and/or biology with demonstrated experience in the development of analytical mathematical models of epidemiological processes, and a familiarity with simulation modeling approaches. A strong interest in the use of population genetics and functional genomics data is essential. Familiarity and interest in the problems of error propagation, uncertainty analysis, stochasticity, and non-stationarity in complex (i.e. nonlinear, multi-causal) systems is desirable.
The incumbent will be expected to work within a loosely defined team framework, to complement the activities of two other modeling groups (one pursing a process-oriented simulation approach, and the other a statistical approach). However there is substantial freedom to define the methods and deliverables according to the experiences, talents, and interests of the incumbent.
The incumbent will split their residence between the Northern Forestry Centre and the University of Alberta, both in Edmonton, Alberta. The position will be co-supervised by Dr. Barry Cooke (Canadian Forest Service) and Dr. Mark Lewis (Canada Research Chair in Mathematical Biology, U. Alberta).
Particulars
This position is funded until Dec 31, 2009 with a possibility of extension. Interested individuals should submit an application package (cover letter and curriculum vitae) and arrange to have three sealed letters of reference forwarded to the address below. Electronic applications are preferred. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Matt Bryman
Project Manager – THE TRIA PROJECT. Mountain Pine Beetle System Genomics
CW 420 Biological Sciences Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB, Canada
T6G 2E9
mbryman@ualberta.ca
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to either Dr. Cooke (bcooke@NRCan.gc.ca) or Dr. Lewis (mlewis@math.ualberta.ca)
Insect invasions are characterized by systematic changes in population numbers over time and space as insects reproduce and disperse into new host territory. The mountain pine beetle in North America is a system where an indigenous species has recently increased its range to the point of threatening novel host species. Although the population dynamics of the natural system within its previous host range (British Columbia, W. of the Rocky Mountains) is relatively well-researched, there is tremendous uncertainty within the new host range (Alberta, E. of the Rocky Mountains) on key parameters, including beetle dispersal rates, host suitability, host vigor, and fungal pathogenicity.
Opportunity
A significant interdisciplinary project (THE TRIA PROJECT. Mountain Pine Beetle System Genomics) has been mounted to examine the population genetics and functional genomics of the beetle-fungus-tree interaction, in order to characterize the uncertainty surrounding key population processes affecting outbreak wave propagation eastward. The project is seeking a qualified mathematician to work with its team of scientists to develop a mathematical model of mountain pine beetle invasion biology that will use genomics-based data to inform the spread model. These data include population genetic structure data (for the beetle, fungus, and tree) and functional genomics data (genome-wide responses to environmental stresses) pertaining to critical aspects of the beetle-fungus-host interaction.
The incumbent will have a PhD in mathematics and/or biology with demonstrated experience in the development of analytical mathematical models of epidemiological processes, and a familiarity with simulation modeling approaches. A strong interest in the use of population genetics and functional genomics data is essential. Familiarity and interest in the problems of error propagation, uncertainty analysis, stochasticity, and non-stationarity in complex (i.e. nonlinear, multi-causal) systems is desirable.
The incumbent will be expected to work within a loosely defined team framework, to complement the activities of two other modeling groups (one pursing a process-oriented simulation approach, and the other a statistical approach). However there is substantial freedom to define the methods and deliverables according to the experiences, talents, and interests of the incumbent.
The incumbent will split their residence between the Northern Forestry Centre and the University of Alberta, both in Edmonton, Alberta. The position will be co-supervised by Dr. Barry Cooke (Canadian Forest Service) and Dr. Mark Lewis (Canada Research Chair in Mathematical Biology, U. Alberta).
Particulars
This position is funded until Dec 31, 2009 with a possibility of extension. Interested individuals should submit an application package (cover letter and curriculum vitae) and arrange to have three sealed letters of reference forwarded to the address below. Electronic applications are preferred. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Matt Bryman
Project Manager – THE TRIA PROJECT. Mountain Pine Beetle System Genomics
CW 420 Biological Sciences Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB, Canada
T6G 2E9
mbryman@ualberta.ca
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to either Dr. Cooke (bcooke@NRCan.gc.ca) or Dr. Lewis (mlewis@math.ualberta.ca)
