Postdoctoral Scholar

Workplace Culture NAU aims to be the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond.
Special Information This position is subject to the availability of funding.
The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.
This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation.
Opportunities for remote work are rare.
Job Description The Mihaljevic Lab at Northern Arizona University (NAU) is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to support a recently funded National Science Foundation Ecology & Evolution of Infectious Disease (EEID) grant.
This five-year project will lead to an improved understanding of how climate change can impact the spread of infectious disease in marine systems.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Fisheries, Aquatic Science, and Technology (FAST) Lab at Alaska Pacific University, the United States Geological Survey Marrowstone Marine Laboratory, and Northern Arizona University.
The successful candidate will contribute to a multi-institutional initiative to test model-derived hypotheses on the susceptibility of Pacific herring to cold- and warm-water adapted pathogens under climate change.
Anticipated results will increase our ability to predict the effects of a changing climate on the long-term stability of fish-pathogen interactions and will contribute to sustainable aquatic resource management by informing fisheries managers about impacts of increased water temperatures on fish health.
The successful candidate will serve as a collaborative scientific lead for this ambitious research effort, with primary responsibility for guiding the intellectual development of mathematical and statistical modeling frameworks that are core deliverables of this grant.
Key activities include: (a) working with the Principal Investigators to develop theoretical and computational frameworks that build the effects of temperature into dynamics of host-pathogen interactions; (b) envisioning, coding, and validating statistical algorithms to estimate the parameters of these epidemiological models; (c) coordinating on multi-disciplinary projects with a dynamic, collaborative team; and (d) potential co-supervision of one or more research assistants (e.
g.
, undergraduate or graduate students) that will help with implementation work.
While much initial and overall guidance will be provided, key requirements are the ability and curiosity to generate novel insights, write manuscripts, and manage sub-projects within the scope of the research program.
The Postdoctoral Scholar will provide creative input to solve the many challenges encountered in innovation and research, while also completing research products in the form of written manuscripts and scientific presentations.
Primary mentor: Dr.
Joseph Mihaljevic (joseph.
mihaljevic@nau.
edu) Research & Publication - 65% Work collaboratively with research team to collect data and design analyses to address primary research questions.
Keep appropriate records of all research activities.
Lead modeling and coding efforts related to project goals Design and implement research protocols and adapt new procedures, methods, and coding as appropriate Prepare and deliver presentations of research findings.
Prepare and submit manuscripts for publication.
Read scientific literature, participate in scientific discussions with other members of the research team and lab, and attend lab and project meetings.
Other administrative and research tasks related to the project, including organizing and training others in project protocols.
Data Metrics - 20% Collect, curate, synthesize, and analyze research data Maintain organized, open, and accessible records of data and computer code.
Perform data analysis and visualization and develop efficient data analysis pipelines and/or tools as appropriate to project goals.
Tabulate and display data for presentation in research conferences and for manuscript preparation; use graphics and statistical software to analyze and present data.
Grant & Management - 5% Works within the grant-specific project requirements.
Assists project PI with managing grant funds according to sponsor specifications.
Assists PI with writing annual project reports according to sponsor specifications Academic/Lab Liaison - 5% Perform assigned lab duties to assist in the general operation of the lab, and various other duties or projects as assigned – as appropriate to project goals.
Promote an inclusive and welcoming work environment for all.
Other - 5% Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications PhD in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Statistics, Epidemiology, Applied Mathematics, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications Record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Strong background in statistical theory (frequentist and Bayesian methods and algorithm development.
Demonstrated experience in mathematical modeling (e.
g.
, differential equation models).
Experience in coding algorithms in R or other languages such as Python, C++.
Experience using high-performance computing environments.
Demonstrated background of mentoring undergraduate research assistants.
History of working successfully in multi-disciplinary groups.
Interest and/or experience promoting STEM diversity and inclusion.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Knowledge Familiarity with version control systems.
Knowledge of data visualization techniques.
Knowledge of innovative statistical methodologies.
Skills Leadership, coordination, and/or supervision skills.
Innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, as demonstrated by publications and presentations at professional meetings.
Excellent organizational and project management skills.
Abilities Ability to code algorithms that fit mathematical and statistical models to various data types.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team and with individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds and domain expertise.
Ability to take initiative and complete tasks without direct supervision.
Background Information Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment.
You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check.
Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.
Finally, each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report.
The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act.
The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus.
In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing.
This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities.
If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E.
Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.
Salary Anticipated salary range is $54,799 to $68,474.
Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.
FLSA Status This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for additional time worked.
Benefits Post-Doctoral Scholars are hired on a contract basis, renewable each fiscal year for a maximum of 4 renewals (5 years) according to terms of the Arizona Board of Regents' Conditions of Post-Doctoral Service.
NAU offers an excellent benefit package to Post-Doctoral Scholars including generous health, dental and vision insurance; 10 days of vacation and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified family members.
New employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of the pay period following their enrollment, after their employment date.
Employees will have 31 days from their start date to enroll in benefits.
Participation in NAU retirement plans is not available to Post-Doctoral Scholars.
More information on benefits at NAU is available at the NAU HR benefits page.
Learning and Development Your career at Northern Arizona University includes the opportunity for professional development.
New employee on-boarding training includes courses to be completed within the first 30 days.
Application Deadline March 11, 2024 at 11:59 p.
m.
How to Apply To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page.
You must submit your application by clicking on the "Submit" button by midnight of the application deadline.
If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on the Human Resources website or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.
edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.
Equal Employment Opportunity Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution.
Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
Know Your Rights Poster NAU is an Employer of National Service.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.