Graduate/Postdoctoral Positions in Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases

Ph.D. program is guaranteed to provide TA/RAship for five years.

The He Lab at Purdue University investigates infectious disease dynamics by considering antigenic diversification and epidemiology. Specifically, we study how balancing selection drives eco-evolutionary dynamics of disease agents, using malaria antigens as a model system. We develop new epidemiological quantities to predict whether new disease variants would invade local transmissions, which would help establish new guidelines for intervention in malaria as well as other infectious diseases. We employ data science and mathematical approaches to the theory, and verify it via epidemiological and genomic sequencing data. Thanks to the collaborative nature of our work, we have established national and international research partners (University of Chicago, Louisiana State University, University of Melbourne, and Shaanxi Normal University).

We are looking for highly motivated colleagues to join our research team.

Postdoctoral candidates:

· A strong quantitative background

· Background in molecular biology and genetics

· Comfortable with at least one programming language (R, python, Julia, C++)

· Good record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals

Graduate candidates:

· Have a quantitative background or prepare to obtain rigorous quantitative and computational skills training

· Prior knowledge in molecular biology and genetics is preferred

Students are also encouraged to develop their own projects for the thesis, including similar questions on other disease agents. Students can expect to work in a lab that is collaborative, diverse, and welcoming.

Application Process:

Prospective candidates should email heqixin@purdue.edu with the subject “Prospective Graduate Student/Postdoctoral Fellow,” with a short description of research interests and CV. Graduate students need to apply through the university portal.

Purdue University is an EOE/Affirmative Action employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.