Rothamsted Research, the UK’s oldest and largest agricultural research centre, is seeking suitably qualified mathematical modellers, ecologists and epidemiologists for up to four post-doctoral positions to work on applied aspects of the epidemiology of plant pathogens. These post-doctoral positions are available within the Computational and Systems Biology Department in two generic areas:
Invasive plant pathogens: Increases in global trade have led to a vast increase in invasive plant disease epidemics with serious consequences for both nature conservation and food security. Projects are available developing methods to advise on surveillance and control of such invaders.
Durable disease control: The evolution of new pathogen strains that overcome existing disease control is a central threat to food security. Projects are available developing methods that minimise selection for new strains and improve the durability of disease control.
The successful applicants will work on important current applications, including (i) a range of forest tree diseases such as sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum), acute oak decline (casual organism unknown) and ash dieback (Chalara fraxinea) and (ii) a range of crop diseases such as Stem rust Ug99 (Puccinia graminis f.sp.tritici), a pathogen of wheat threatening recurrent famine in parts of Africa and Asia, cassava virus diseases in Africa and a range of fungal disease of wheat in the UK.
As well as address fundamental research questions in this area, the post-holders will have the opportunity to work closely with regulatory agencies and international partners to have a tangible impact on control strategies in practice. Therefore the successful applicants must have strong quantitative skills and experience in ecological or epidemic modelling.
Informal enquires about these positions can be directed to Dr Frank van den Bosch (frank.vandenbosch@rothamsted.ac.uk) or to Dr Stephen Parnell (stephen.parnell@rothamsted.ac.uk). The positions are full-time within Band D and attract a starting salary within the range £26,745 and £31,677. The positions available range between three to five years in duration.