Post-doctoral Scholar - Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology Division- Integrative Biology

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We have an opportunity for a post-doctoral scholar to join the Center for Global Public Health in the Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology Division at UC Berkeley and serve as a research scholar on a new project investigating the co-circulation of Zika and dengue viruses in human and non-human primates in Uganda and Mexico.

This post-doctoral position will focus on Uganda and will be working closely with the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), a world class center of excellence in health research in the region, and Gorilla Doctors, the only organization in the world providing in situ veterinary care to endangered eastern gorillas. In addition to hands-on veterinary medicine, Gorilla Doctors conducts research on diseases impacting gorillas and surveillance for pathogens of potential consequence for gorillas, people and other wildlife and provides leadership for regional response to emerging health threats as they arise.

This post-doctoral position will (1) lead independent research on the epidemiology of dengue and Zika virus co-circulation in human and non-human primates in Uganda, (2) oversee the development and implementation of human cohorts for arbovirus surveillance in Uganda, (3) assist the Gorilla Doctors team with the management of non-human primate cohorts for arbovirus surveillance in the wild through data collation and analyses, (4) conduct epidemiological modeling and analytics for data generated from the project and (4) provide regular technical support to graduate students from UC-Berkeley, UVRI and Gorilla Doctors working on the project. There is an expectation for international travel to Uganda ~ 6 months / year. This unique post-doctoral position is an ideal fit for a scientist who is seeking further career experience focused on epidemiology with an interest in clinical infectious diseases, One Health, wildlife health, zoonoses, and international capacity strengthening.

Independent Research

* Design and execute independent research in collaboration with Uganda Virus Research Institute and Gorilla Doctors on the co-circulation of dengue and Zika virus in Uganda.

* Publish in peer reviewed journals and present research findings at national and international conferences.

* Contribute to grant and grant report writing.

Human and wildlife cohort management

* Together with the scientific leadership team, contribute to the design of human and wildlife cohorts for arbovirus surveillance.

* Oversee implementation and day-to-day activities of human cohort management in Uganda.

* Assist Gorilla Doctors leads in the management of non-human primate cohort studies.

* Contribute to maintaining and updating project cohort procedures, IRB and IACUC documents and government reporting requirements.

* Contribute to managing international shipping of biological specimens including shipment of endangered species specimens (CITES regulated).

Capacity Strengthening

* Provide mentorship for UC Berkeley, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Makerere University graduate students and Gorilla Doctors staff on study design, data management and data analyses.

* Contribute to collaborative manuscripts involving data generated by the project.

* Contribute to capacity building workshops in Uganda in the areas of laboratory biosciences and data analyses.

PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent international degree) program.

* PhD or equivalent international degree is required by the appointment start date.

* No more than 3 years of post-degree research experience by start date.

* Hold a current passport and be available for regular travel internationally to Uganda.

* PhD in epidemiology, clinical infectious diseases, public health or other related discipline.

* Experience working on an international research project by the start date.

* Experience with human cohort management and regulatory procedures

* Strong computer skills

* Excellent verbal and written communication skills

* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

* Ability to work in a team

* Experience working in Africa-based laboratories

* Manuscript publication experience

* Doctor of veterinary medicine or Medical Doctor (preferred but not required)

* Strong publication record in epidemiological modeling

* Experience with molecular and serological diagnostics

* Spanish language skills are preferred.

• 3 required (contact information only)

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
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