A post-doctoral associate position is available in the area of epidemiology under the guidance of Dr. Kevin Cummings at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (http://vetmed.tamu.edu/vibs/vetepi/directorydetail?userid=10899). Research emphasis is the epidemiology of foodborne and other zoonotic pathogens. Current work focuses on the use of analytic and molecular epidemiology to study Salmonella among dairy and feedlot cattle, although the research focus of this position may be tailored to the interests and expertise of the individual. The post-doctoral associate will be expected to make presentations regarding his/her research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, participate in grant proposal preparation, and interact with faculty, post-doctoral associates, and graduate students at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. This position will help the successful candidate further his/her skills in advanced epidemiologic methodologies, statistical techniques, and veterinary public health.
A PhD (or equivalent) in epidemiology or another relevant discipline is required. A DVM (or equivalent) is preferred. Strong communication skills (oral and writing) are expected. Salary will be commensurate with level of education and experience. The standard benefits package available at Texas A&M University will be provided. The initial appointment will be for one year, with renewal subject to satisfactory progress and mutual agreement.
The successful candidate will join a vibrant group of researchers and graduate students within the Epidemiology and Public Health Program of the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences. The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University is recognized as a leader in research, education, and service, and broad collaborative opportunities are available throughout the University (for example, microbiologists, food scientists, geneticists, veterinary hospital clinicians, and researchers at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory). Collaborations with practicing veterinarians in the community and government agencies such as USDA will also be possible.

Interested individuals should send their curriculum vitae (CV), statement of research interests and professional goals, and the names and contact details of three references to Dr. Kevin Cummings (kcummings@cvm.tamu.edu). Candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Cummings at that e-mail address for additional information about the position. Review of applications will begin on April 4, 2011 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Kevin Cummings, DVM, PhD
Assistant Professor, Epidemiology
Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843-4458

Office: VRB, room 283
Phone: 979-458-0203
Fax: 979-847-8981
E-mail: kcummings@cvm.tamu.edu

Projects:
We are seeking 2 postdoctoral fellows in infectious disease modelling to join our group working in the field of epidemiology of infectious diseases and zoonotic agents in pig production.

1/ project on Hepatitis E virus within-farm dynamics modelling – 24 months.
The postdoc fellow will be responsible for a modelling study of Hepatitis E virus dynamics of infection within a pig farrow-to-finish farm in the framework of a global research project funded by the National Research Agency called « Hepatitis E dynamics in related ecosystems : from pig farms and wastewaters to shellfish » (HEVECODYN). The objective of the project is to better understand the determinants of the within-farm dynamics of infection using a modelling approach. The outcome of the modelling study will have to properly identify the circumstances associated with the presence of infectious particles in the different organs at slaughter. The postdoc fellow will have to establish an epidemiological model of HEV within-farm transmission. The population model representing a typical farrow-to-finish pig farm with a batch-rearing system is already available in the research group and has been used for other pig infections. For model building, data will be available from follow-up studies in HEV infected farms as well as from transmission experiments carried out during the project. The postdoc fellow will be responsible for the estimation of key parameters from both observational real-life data and transmission trials. He (she) will also be in charge of model building, sensitivity analysis and simulation strategy designed to identify risk practices.

2/ project on Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus within-farm dynamics modelling – 18 months.
This project aims at the identification of PRRSv control measures based on the use of prophylactic tools and modifications of husbandry practices using a modelling approach. A mathematical model describing PRRSv transmission dynamics within a typical farrow-to-finish farm (individual-based, stochastic population model already available) will be parameterized using estimates from a transmission experiment (data also available). In addition to this infectious model, the population immunity regarding PRRSv will also be represented. In a first step a mathematical model describing the immune response at the individual level will be set up. An original mathematical approach will be used to define the best parameter estimates using available information in the literature and based also on observed data on several immune indicators (humoral and cellular response) from the transmission experiment. This individual model of the immune response will be further coupled to the population dynamics model to study the relationships between population immunity and PRRSv course of infection. The effects of husbandry practices modifications (batch-farrowing procedure, replacement policy, cross-fostering, contact structure, size of the groups...) and the implementation of several prophylactic measures will be studied. Probability of persistence and time-to-fade out will be studied as well as the evolution of population immunity.
Training
PhD in infectious disease modelling, with a background in Agronomy, veterinary medicine, biological sciences or applied mathematics with, according to the background a specialisation in either applied mathematics or biology of infectious agents.

Research experience
A previous experience during the thesis in infectious modelling within a structured population is a prerequesite. A previous experience in model parameters estimation from observational data and/or transmission experiments would be an added value.

Skills
- general knowledge in virology, immunology, host/agent interaction
- ability to transpose a biologic problematic into mathematical concepts
- skills in programming
- skills in biostatistics
- skills in writing and oral communication

Terms
- Full time contract for 24 (project 1) and 18 months (project 2) respectively
- The gross salary will range between EUR2000-2500 per month
(depending on previous candidate experience).
- Starting date between April 2011 and September 2011

Research environment
The research group is leading projects in quantitative epidemiology in swine production in the fields of animal health and zoonotic agents. Our epidemiology group works in close interaction within the lab with colleagues in virology, immunology and animal experiment. The research activities involve a wide range of methodologies from descriptive epidemiology, analytic epidemiology and infectious disease modelling. The group has a strong experience in the estimation of key parameters for infectious models using transmission experiments in our level-3 biosecurity facilities.

How to apply
Application deadline: March 1st, 2011
Information on position: Nicolas Rose, phone: +33 296 016 441
Submit a resume, publication list along with the names of 2 referees and a cover letter with reference to the announcement n°2011-EBEP01 (project 1) and 2011-EBEP02 (Project 2) to:
N. Rose, Anses - laboratoire de Ploufragan, BP 53, 22440 PLOUFRAGAN - FRANCE
By email: nicolas.rose@anses.fr

-------------------------------------------------------
Nicolas ROSE, DVM PhD

Epidemiology group
Anses
BP 53
22440 Ploufragan
tel. + 33 296 016 441
fax +33 296 016 295
nicolas.rose@anses.fr

School of Veterinary Science, Division of Veterinary Pathology
£30,747 - £35,646 pa

You will work for one-year on a multi-discipline DEFRA-funded study, investigating antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in companion animals. You will design, implement and perform statistical analysis of a survey on antimicrobial use, prescribing practice and infection control in equine and small animal veterinary hospitals. 
You should have a veterinary degree/BSc in a quantitative discipline (2.i or above), and preferably a PhD in epidemiology, applied statistics or a related discipline. Excellent computer skills, experience in the design of questionnaires and good interpersonal skills are essential.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 20 August 2010
For further details and how to apply see
www.liv.ac.uk/working/job_vacancies/research/R-567728.htm

Dr G Pinchbeck BVSc CertES PhD DipECVPH MRCVS
Senior Lecturer in Equine Epidemiology,
Department of Animal and Population Health,
School of Veterinary Science,
University of Liverpool

Post-Doctoral Opportunity at the Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research (CVER)
In conjunction with the Canadian Regulatory Veterinary Epidemiology Network (CRVE-net)

Applications are invited to undertake a three year post-doctoral position at the Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research (http://www.upei.ca/cver) in conjunction with The Canadian Regulatory Veterinary Epidemiology Network (CRVE-Net). CRVE-Net is a network of veterinary epidemiologists being developed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in partnership with the Atlantic Veterinary College (http://www.upei.ca/avc) at the University of Prince Edward Island.

The Canadian Swine Health Board (CSHB) has funded a three-year program for the modelling of PRRS transmission in Canadian swine herds. The selected candidate will use the North America Animal Disease Spread Model (www.naadsm.org) and other disease spread model frameworks along with animal movement data to simulate different spread and mitigation scenarios for this disease.

The successful candidate should have a PhD degree or equivalent in animal health and disease modelling, be able to communicate effectively in English and have very good written and oral communication skills. Evaluation of the applications will commence on July 1st 2010 and will continue until the position is filled.

The successful candidate will be placed the Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research which has internationally recognized research programs in veterinary epidemiology and population medicine.

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and updated CV to:
Dr. Javier Sanchez.

For more information please contact: Dr. Sanchez by phone at 902-626-3862 or by email at jsanchez@upei.ca

Two postdoctoral positions in Molecular Epidemiology and Risk assessment are available immediately to study the application of molecular biological techniques and risk assessment in epidemiologic investigations. The project is designed to investigate the risk associated with foodborne pathogens and their potential predisposition role in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Qatar. Our investigation will focus on the epidemiology and ecology of foodborne pathogens at the preharvest and postharvest levels in Qatar. The pathogens of interest are Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., and Listeria monocytogenes. The intent is to develop a risk assessment model for each of these pathogens from sources, and through processing, to consumer. A second and complementary focus is investigating the role of these pathogens and their virulence in the risk of IBD. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of the research, applicants are expected to have excellent intrapersonal skills and appreciation for multidisciplinary approaches in problem solving. The appointment will be at the Veterinary College, Cornell University, however, the field work and associated laboratory activities, approximately 50% of the activities, will take place in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar.

Applicants should possess a recent PhD in Molecular Biology and/or Epidemiology.  Experience in Molecular Bacteriology is an advantage but is not required. Send curriculum vitae, a brief description of research interests and career goals, and names and contact information of three scientists who can serve as references to Dr. Hussni Mohammed, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850; e-mail: hom1@cornell.edu. Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.

Hussni O. Mohammed
Professor of Epidemiology
Section of Epidemiology
College of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University,
Ithaca, NY 14853
Tel (607) 253-3566
Fax (607) 253-3083