Post-Doctoral Associate AD

Position Information

Classification Title Post-Doctoral Associate AD FLSA Exempt UGA Job Code FTE 1.0 Minimum Qualifications Position Summary

The goal of the project is to develop and validate predictive models to assess country-level measles outbreak risk. The post-doctoral research associate will work in closely with Drs. Amy Winter and John Drake using classification methods (including random forests, gradient boosting, and support vector machines) to build the data-driven measles outbreak prediction models. The models will be fit to historical time sequential data. Prediction targets include binary classification of measles outbreaks from monthly historical data. Model considerations will include random and investigator selection approaches for separating train and test datasets, dealing with imbalanced data, nowcasting input data, stratified models to capture regional trends, and ensemble approaches. This output can significantly contribute to decisions about resource allocation for the control and surveillance of measles, enabling global partners to set focus countries for augmented attention and bespoke intervention.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position

PhD in statistics, biostatistics, ecology, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, epidemiology, or other relevant field

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Research experience of working with mathematical and/or statistical models

• A strong interest in infectious disease epidemiology

• Will fit machine learning models for prediction (random forests, gradient boosting, and support vector machines) using time sequential data

• Good knowledge of coding in R or Python

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Experience in communicating research findings to a non-specialist audience

• Will work independently but also as part of a larger interdisciplinary research team

Physical Demands

Sit or stand for long periods of time.

Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a requirement of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Amy Winter Recruitment Contact Email awinter@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

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