The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position in the research program of Chris Mundt. The faculty research assistant will be a contributing member of a multi-investigator project using empirical data and modeling approaches to study effects of fundamental epidemiological parameters (e.g., basic reproduction number, initial disease prevalence, and host density) and common control tactics (e.g, reactive ring culling, reactive ring vaccination or chemotherapeutic applications, timing and extent of reactive ring treatments, and broad-scale population protection) on the spread of plant and animal diseases caused by pathogens demonstrating long-distance dispersal.

Position Duties: The incumbent will support the principal investigator and two postdoctoral scholars. One postdoc is responsible for developing generalized theory and models to predict “rules-of-thumb” for the control of diseases caused by pathogens with long-distance dispersal. The other postdoc focuses on simulation and experimental studies of wheat stripe rust addressing similar issues. In addition to computational work, the position will involve a small amount of work in the laboratory, greenhouse, controlled environment chambers, and agricultural fields in both the Willamette Valley and in eastern Oregon. Experiments may occasionally require work hours other than standard. A very small number of  overnight trips to eastern Oregon may be occasionally required.

Specific duties include running and analyzing computer simulations of disease spread; contributing to scientific publications, including production of graphics and contributions to scientific writing; searching and summarization of relevant literature; assisting in experimental field studies of wheat stripe rust; and organization of project meetings.

Minimum/Required Qualifications: B.S. in a biological science, mathematics, statistics, or computer science. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively in collaborative projects.

Preferred Qualifications: M.S. in ecology, epidemiology, or a related field; familiarity or experience in modeling of biological systems; expertise in computer programming and statistical analysis.

Closing Date : March 8, 2019

Apply via Oregon State University website: http://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/71679

For further information, contact Chris Mundt: mundtc@science.oregonstate.edu

The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position in the research program of Chris Mundt. The faculty research assistant will contribute to diverse aspects of a cereal pathology program investigating the biology, epidemiology, and population genetics of plant pathogens, and host plant resistance to disease. A significant portion of the position involves collaboration with the Oregon State University wheat and barley breeding programs. The incumbent will interact with faculty, postdocs, and graduate students who are studying the biology, epidemiology, population genetics, and control of plant diseases. Reappointment is at the discretion of the department head.

Position Duties: Maintenance of pathogen cultures; organizing planting materials; planting and maintenance of field plots; disease assessments in field plots and greenhouse; running and analyzing computer simulations of disease spread; conducting statistical analyses; maintaining field and laboratory equipment; contributing to scientific publications, including production of graphics and contributions to scientific writing. Position will involve work in the laboratory, greenhouse, controlled environment chambers, and agricultural fields in both the Willamette Valley and in eastern Oregon. Experiments may occasionally require work hours other than standard. Overnight trips to eastern Oregon will be occasionally required.

Minimum/Required Qualifications: B.S. in biological sciences. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively in collaborative projects.

Preferred Qualifications: M.S. in plant pathology or related field; research experience in plant pathology; experience in plant breeding/genetics; experience in conducting field research; experience in microbial culturing techniques; experience in operating agricultural equipment; expertise in statistical analysis and computer programming.

Closing: March 8, 2019

Apply via Oregon State University website: http://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/71676

For further information, contact Chris Mundt: mundtc@science.oregonstate.edu

The OSU Advantage Accelerator is seeking proposals to facilitate the further development and commercialization of OSU applied innovations. Proposals can be submitted for OSU-owned innovations developed by OSU faculty, staff, and/or graduate students in any discipline that require up to $25,000. Proposals are due no later than 5 p.m., March 1. Read the full RFP here: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator

Contribute to Oregon State’s excellence in online teaching and learning by sharing your expertise at this spring’s Ecampus Faculty Forum. Submit your proposal for a presentation by Feb. 10. Interactive sessions are encouraged but conference-style presentations are also welcome. The faculty forum will be held May 1 at the CH2M HILL Alumni Center.

For any OSU faculty member who is mentoring an honors undergraduate thesis, or interested in doing so in the future.  We will cover recent updates to the HC thesis process, discuss mentoring best practices, and answer questions.  Friday, Feb. 8, 1-2 p.m. in LINC 343.  RSVPhere.  

Title: Modeling the Melt: What Math Tells Us About Disappearing Polar Sea Ice

Guest Speaker: Ken Golden
Institution: University of Utah

Date/Time: Monday, February 4, 2019 – 16:00 to 16:50

Location: KIDD 364

Event Link: https://math.oregonstate.edu/node/15294

Abstract: The precipitous loss of Arctic sea ice has outpaced expert predictions. We will explore how mathematical models of key sea ice processes are being developed to improve projections of the future of Earth’s sea ice packs and the polar ecosystems they support. Our models are inspired by theories of multiscale composite materials and statistical physics, and are developed in conjunction with field experiments that we have conducted in both the Arctic and Antarctic. The lecture is intended for a wide, interdisciplinary audience, and will conclude with a short video on a recent Antarctic expedition where we measured fluid and electromagnetic transport properties of sea ice.

Host: Malgorzata Peszynska

Department Colloquium Dinner: The mathematics department arranges for a colloquium dinner (sometimes lunch, depending on the speaker’s schedule) for external speakers. These dinners are an opportunity for faculty and students to interact with invited professional mathematicians in a social setting. The department pays for dinner (alcohol expenses are not covered by the department) for the colloquium speaker and a host. Everyone else in attendence is expected to pay for their own dinner.

Inspiring Girls Expeditions provides tuition-free science, art, and wilderness exploration for teenage girls (aged 16/17). Applications are open now and must be started by Feb 1 visithttp://inspiringgirls.org for more information. As a new OSU CEOAS outreach program, we encourage students, faculty, and staff to contact us if you are interested in getting involved. Contact info@girlsonice.org.

Impact Studio was created in December 2017 to bring together teams of faculty, students and staff to develop, incubate and launch initiatives that advance Oregon State’s strategic goals. Rich Duncombe, director, and Jesse Mraz, operations administrator, engage partners across Oregon State to grow the portfolio of initiatives by providing services and a support structure. Impact Studio has launched a new website and NEWSletter to keep their growing network informed and engaged. Join the studio team by subscribing to the NEWSletter and contacting the studio with questions or to schedule a visit at Cascade Hall 128.

If you are an advanced online faculty member or Ecampus adviser, take part in 30-minute virtual seminars over lunch where you can learn about, discuss and consider practical applications for emerging strategies and ideas in online education. Seminars run on Wednesdays from 12:15-12:45 p.m., and the first session on Jan. 23 will cover “Brain Science, Neuromyths, and Online Learning.” Registration required to obtain the web-conference link.