
Career Development Opportunities
NEVBD is dedicated to helping you advance your career and loves to share career development opportunities provided by our network and partners. Explore the current opportunities:
Public / Private Sector Opportunities
POSITION: Assistant Agricultural Research Scientist II, Modeling and Data Analysis for Vector-Borne Diseases, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
DESCRIPTION: The Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases (CVBZD) at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) invites applications to fill an Assistant Scientist II position (equivalent to Assistant Professor) in the areas of Modeling and Data Analysis for Vector-Borne Diseases. We are particularly interested in the application of ecological and epidemiological models and statistical methods to understand and predict the environmental risk of vector-borne diseases. Candidates should have significant experience with advanced analytical modeling, which could include statistical modeling, spatial statistics, mechanistic modeling for epidemiological or ecological applications. This is a state-funded (12-month) research position with a starting salary of $85,905.00/year with no teaching responsibilities, competitive medical, dental, and pension benefits, and a great work-life balance.
QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants must have a Ph.D. degree in epidemiology, ecology, entomology, computational biology, data science, or a closely related discipline; a track record of scholarly publications in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals; evidence of high-quality training and mentorship with good outcomes; willingness or ability to supervise others; demonstrated willingness to engage with the general public; evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific leadership, and service; ability to acquire external funding as evidenced by previous receipt of grants or a clear and compelling research plan; and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Candidates should submit the following electronically in a single PDF file: 1) a cover letter summarizing qualifications and briefly stating research interests; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a statement of future research interests (3 pages max.); and 4) contact information for at least three professional references who can attest to the candidate’s qualifications, along with a concise statement of the individual’s relationship to the candidate. The application package should be sent to: Dr. Goudarz Molaei, Ph.D., Chief Scientist and Head, Department of Entomology, at Goudarz.Molaei@ct.gov. Applications should be received by December 30, 2023 for full consideration. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
POSITION: Field Supervisor, West Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District (CA)
DESCRIPTION: Under direction, plans, organizes, and supervises the field inspection and control operations of the District; supervises employees engaged in such operations; and performs related work as required. May be required to cover any program for the district so must have a thorough knowledge of each program in the district.
QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum education equivalent to or graduation from high school. Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in the field of Entomology, Biology, or Ecology from an accredited college or university is desirable. Five years of increasingly responsible experience as a Vector Control Technician II or work comparable in scope and complexity to all vector control work performed by the district. Bilingual capabilities are a plus but not required. Knowledge of principles and methods of personnel supervision; problems and techniques of vector control and field operations; pesticide usage including calibration methods, safety, dosage rates and interpretation of labels; safety precautions and effectiveness of different types of pesticide applications under variable conditions; federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding vector control; general source reduction techniques; vector ecology and biology; general mechanical techniques, repairs and fabrication of equipment.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Inquiries about this position can be addressed to Michelle Brown at (909) 635-0307 or mbrown@wvmvcd.org. An electronic version of the application can be found below.
Academic Opportunities
POSITION: Evaluation Specialist, Pennsylvania State University, VectorED
DESCRIPTION: The College of Agricultural Sciences (https://agsci.psu.edu/) is seeking an Evaluation Specialist trained in program evaluation to join our nationally recognized Penn State Extension (https://extension.psu.edu/) and support the new Vector-Borne Disease (VBD) Regional Training and Evaluation Center. The Extension Evaluation Specialist will provide leadership and support for a full range of vector-borne disease training programs related to program evaluation, under the guidance of the Evaluation Director.
QUALIFICATIONS: This position typically requires a Master’s Degree or higher in evaluation, measurement, youth development, family social science, education, psychology, or another related field, plus 3 years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preference for additional experience related to one or more of the following: public health; epidemiology; program administration; volunteer support and management; program coordination and event planning.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
POSITION: Program Coordinator, NewVec Center of Excellence
DESCRIPTION: The New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEWVEC) Program Coordinator and Regional Extension Agent at Large is responsible for managing the community of practice component of the program and serving as the overarching regional extension educator. Essential functions include: Serve on the NEWVEC leadership team and lead the critical facets of engaged research and training programs; Oversee and coordinate outreach programs and events; Develop training materials; Partner with the PI and senior leadership to assess strategic plans, research activities and programmatic performance indicators.
QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree and 4 years of experience in Communications and Project Administration.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Please submit letter of application, CV, diversity statement (see below) and contact information for three (3) references. Search may remain open until suitable candidate is identified.
POSITION: Assistant Professor of Arthropod Molecular Biology, University of Kentucky
DESCRIPTION: The Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky invites applicants for a tenure-eligible faculty position in arthropod molecular biology. We are seeking candidates who use molecular tools to address fundamental questions in biochemistry, pathology, immunology, microbiome interactions, developmental biology, and/or toxicology. We are particularly interested in candidates who use a combination of modern and classical approaches such as genome editing, RNAi, transgenics, functional genomics (multi-omics, protein structural modeling, etc.), high-throughput analyses, functional characterization of genes, single cell sequencing, electrophysiology, and cell culture.
QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant must have a Ph.D. in Entomology, Biology, or a related field with experience in molecular biology research. Experience seeking external funding and teaching at the college-level, and excellent oral and written communication skills are preferred qualifications.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Application deadline December 31, 2023, or until a suitable candidate is identified.
POSITION: Assistant Professor / Assistant Entomologist in Genetics/Genomics of Arthropod Vectors of Human Disease, UC Riverside
DESCRIPTION: The Department of Entomology at the University of California, Riverside invites applicants for a full-time, Assistant Professor/Assistant Entomologist position. This position will start on July 1, 2024. The purpose of this position is to develop an innovative, fundamental and translational research program in the area of Genetics and Genomics of Arthropod Vectors of Human Disease. This 9-month, tenure-track position is a 40% Instruction and 60% Organized Research appointment.
QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in Life Sciences or a related field. Ph.D. candidates must have their degree by date of hire.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: First review of applications will begin January 15, 2024.
POSITION: Assistant/Associate Professor in Virology, University of Notre Dame
DESCRIPTION: The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame seeks to recruit an outstanding applicant in the field of Virology at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. New faculty will contribute to the undergraduate and graduate teaching mission of the Department of Biological Sciences, and join an integrative and collaborative research community with expertise that spans the breadth of the life sciences.
QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate will be highly productive with either established funding or strong potential to generate a vigorous, externally funded research program. Although all we will consider all areas of virology, applicants should possess research programs that complement and synergize with others in the department, including (but not limited to) vector biology, epidemiology, microbiology, neurobiology, neglected tropical diseases, immunology, and functional ‘omics’.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin November 27, 2023.
POSITION: Vector-Borne Disease Education Program Specialist, PennState Extension
DESCRIPTION: The College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking an Education Program Specialist trained in entomology, vector biology, public health, or related field to join our nationally-recognized Penn State Extension Vector-borne Disease Program Team as part of a new CDC funded Training and Evaluation Center (VectorED Network). The individual will be responsible for actively working with the VectorED Network to formulate learning objectives, develop educational events and materials to support these objectives, and participate in evaluations to measure the team’s educational impact in the area of vector-borne disease.
QUALIFICATIONS: This position will be filled as a level 3 or 4, depending upon the successful candidate’s competencies, education, and experience. Typical requirements for a level 3 include a Bachelor’s degree or higher plus four years of experience in vector biology, management, and control, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
POSITION: Assistant Professor of Insect Biology, UC Davis
DESCRIPTION: The Department of Entomology and Nematology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis is recruiting an Assistant Professor of Insect Biology. This is an academic year (9-month), tenure track Assistant Professor position that includes an appointment in the California Agricultural Experiment Station (AES). The appointee is expected to establish a competitively funded research program in insect biosciences to address critical or emerging issues in any aspect of insect biology. We define insect biology in the broadest sense.
QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in a field of insect biology or equivalent degree in Life Sciences the time of appointment. Post doctoral experience preferred.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Apply by the first review date (December 1, 2023) for full consideration
Internship, Fellowships, & Postdoctoral Positions
POSITION: Postdoctoral Scientist, EEEv Eco-Epidemiology, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
DESCRIPTION: The Department of Entomology and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (New Haven Campus) are seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist position starting between April-June 2024 to study the eco-epidemiology of Eastern equine encephalitis virus in the northeastern USA. The position is for two years, dependent on performance and continued funding availability, with a negotiable start date, and the salary is $55,592.00/yr., including competitive medical and dental benefits. The research project will use xeno-serological assays and blood meal analysis to understand the host feeding preferences of Culiseta melanura and determine EEEV infection and immune status of avian species in EEEV hotspots in CT and NY.
QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in vector biology, virology, molecular biology, epidemiology, or a related discipline. Willingness and ability to carry out both field and laboratory work is a must, as is the ability to work as part of a team of researchers. The applicant should have a valid US driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license within two months of employment. Applicants will be expected to supervise undergraduate and graduate students to fulfill the research objectives of this project.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Interested candidates should submit by email a single PDF document that includes: (1) a cover letter addressing the requirements above, (2) a CV or resume, and (3) the names and contact information for three references (e-mail and phone numbers) to: Dr. Doug Brackney (doug.brackney@ct.gov). The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
POSITION: Graduate Positions (PhD), Texas Tech University
DESCRIPTION: The Brelsfoard and McMillan labs at Texas Tech University’s Department of Biology Sciences are actively recruiting up to two PhD level graduate students for Fall 2024 enrollment with interests in medical entomology and/or vector-borne disease eco-epidemiology. Both the Brelsfoard and McMillan labs use a combination of molecular, field-based, and computational tools to address novel questions focused on mosquito and tick-based ecology, biology, and pathogen interactions. Students would be affiliated with the Rockies and High Plains Training and Evaluation Center for Vector-Borne Diseases and have the opportunity to receive targeted training in medical entomology, pursue basic and applied projects related to the epidemiology and control of vector-borne disease threats, and network amongst a growing network of academic and professional public health institutions in the Rockies and High Plains region.
QUALIFICATIONS: Preference will be given to those with experience (either through education, research, or professional) with vector systems of any type.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Interested parties are encouraged to contact either Dr. Corey Brelsfoard (corey.brelsfoard@ttu.edu) or Dr. Joseph McMillan (josmcmil@ttu.edu). Please include a CV or resume, available transcripts (unofficial is acceptable), and names and contacts of 2-3 referees. Research assistantships will be fully funded via a graduate school fellowship and external funding.
POSITION: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Maine
DESCRIPTION: Facilitate, coordinate, and engage in rigorous, collaborative research partnerships involving faculty and staff associated with the Gardner Lab in the School of Biology and Ecology and the Tick Lab at UMaine Cooperative Extension. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will advance their individual professional development as a researcher and scholar while contributing to the larger goals of the tick-borne disease research program at UMaine.
QUALIFICATIONS: A completed PhD in Entomology, Ecology, Biology, Epidemiology, Environmental Science, or a related field by the appointment date.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Review of applications to begin December 1, 2023.
TWO POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Postdoctoral Associates, Texas A&M University
DESCRIPTION: Postdoctoral associates will explore behavior and microbiome responses of adult mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti, to mycotoxin produced by Mycobacterium ulcerans. One postdoc will be responsible for conducting behavioral feeding assays, and the other on collecting microbiome transcriptome data. Both will be responsible for analyzing data, preparing manuscripts and timely project reports, presenting at conferences, as well as performing general laboratory duties as needed. Postdoctoral associates will be encouraged to collaborate (i.e., cross-train). These individuals will be co-supervised by Drs. Jeff Tomberlin and Patricia Pietrantonio and will collaborate with colleagues at Mississippi State University and the USDA at College Station. Starting salary is between $50,000 and $55,000 depending on experience. One year of funding available with possibility of continuation. See related research below:
QUALIFICATIONS: Individuals should have a PhD in entomology, biology, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology or a closely related field. Individuals with respective experience are preferred.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: If interested, contact Jeff Tomberlin (jeffery.tomberlin@ag.tamu.edu) or Patricia Pietrantonio (p.pietrantonio@ag.tamu.edu)
POSITION: Master Student Position, Disease Vector Ecology/One Health, University of Delaware
DESCRIPTION: Dr. Jennifer K. Peterson (jennipeterson.com), Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, is seeking a highly-motivated Masters student to join her group. The student will conduct a muti-scale, interdisciplinary investigation of Chagas disease vector species Triatoma sanguisuga in Delaware, studying the vector’s distribution, infection prevalence, feeding habits, and environmental determinants to make geographical risk assessments for vector exposure throughout the state.
QUALIFICATIONS: Undergraduate degree from accredited institution. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5. Willingness to sample at night using light traps and endure long field sampling days.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Interested individuals should send the following materials to Dr. Jennifer K. Peterson: 1-2 page cover letter, resume/CV, unofficial transcript copy, email addresses and affiliations for 3 references.
POSITION: CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship
DESCRIPTION: The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) application for the Applied Epidemiology Fellowship (AEF) has opened for Class 22 (fellowship will start in the summer of 2024). The goal of AEF is to provide a high-quality on-the-job training experience in applied epidemiology for recent graduates and prepare fellows for long-term career placement at the state and local level. Based on their interests and available positions, fellows are matched to a State, Territorial, Local, or Tribal health department for two years under the guidance of two experienced mentors. During their assignment, fellows develop a set of core competency skills related to epidemiologic methods, communication skills, and public health practice and policy.
QUALIFICATIONS: The positions require a Ph.D. in ecology, epidemiology, economics, applied statistics, infectious disease modeling or a related quantitative field. Background in epidemiological survey methods, population, infectious disease and spatial modeling is highly desirable.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: To apply for AEF Class 22 consideration, please view and complete the online application. Applications and supporting documents must be submitted no later than 11:59pm ET on January 19, 2024.
Professional Development & Training Opportunities
eCornell Online Program in the Biology of Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Disease-Causing Arthropods
The Cornell Department of Entomology has partnered with eCornell to provide a 4-week online training program on the biology of arthropods — both insects and related forms — that impact human health. You will explore the fascinating biology, behaviors, and disease-transmission processes of a range of organisms, with special emphasis on the most important groups, including ticks and mosquitoes. You will also learn about specific diseases associated with these vectors that can be passed on to humans. The course is appropriate for those working in healthcare and vector-borne disease control, those who train and supervise outdoor workers, and will also be useful for students of vector biology who may not have access to other courses on this topic. $399 total cost. Enrollment discounts may be available. This course has been approved for 28 contact hours of continuing education with the National Environmental Health Association.
Visit the course page for information on the next course cohort.
eCornell Online Program in Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance
The Cornell Department of Entomology has partnered with eCornell to provide a 4-week online training program to help you understand the tools, methodology, and best practices for the surveillance of arthropod vectors, including ticks and mosquitoes. You will gain the knowledge and resources necessary to design an effective vector surveillance program in your local jurisdiction. The course is intended to train and create a network of public health practitioners, from a variety of backgrounds, in entomology and in the approaches, techniques, and skills required for effective surveillance programs. $399 total cost. Enrollment discounts may be available. This course has been approved for 28 contact hours of continuing education with the National Environmental Health Association.
Visit the course page for information on the next course cohort.
American Mosquito Control Association e-Modules
The e-modules cover basic mosquito biology, surveillance and control with an emphasis on Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
American Mosquito Control Association Integrated Mosquito Management
To help train the nation’s vector control work force on the principles of Integrated Mosquito Management and how to execute data-driven mosquito control, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded the AMCA to create a virtual training program. This program consists of 13 modules created and instructed by 24 different experts located throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Australia. Each module contains a reading from the AMCA’s Best Practices for Integrated Mosquito Management manual, a focused video on the topic between 13-33 minutes long, and a 10-question quiz covering both the reading and lecture. After completing the training program, a student may choose to take a 100-question, comprehensive exam to earn a certificate recognizing their accomplishment.
Certification in Public Health Entomology
The Midwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (MCE-VBD) is offering a certificate in Public Health Entomology to recognize and provide basic skills related to the surveillance and management of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases. The certification process is open to anyone affiliated with MCE-VBD partner organizations with interest in developing skills in vector-borne disease surveillance and control.
CDC Learning Tools for Health Care Providers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide web-based continuing medical educational (CME) resources for health care providers on Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as other tickborne diseases.
Lyme Disease CME Tickborne Disease Videos Rocky Mountain spotted fever Toolkit Diagnosis and Treatment of Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis Viral Tickborne Disease Training Diagnosis & Management of WNV
Entomological Society of America Certification Programs
The Entomological Society of America Certification Corporation offers two certification programs for professionals who work with insects:
- Board Certified Entomologist - program for professional entomologists with degrees in entomology or a closely-related field
- Associate Certified Entomologist - program for pest management professionals with strong training and experience in insect-related work, but without academic training required of professional entomologists
- Public Health Entomologist (PHE) Certificate - program for pest management professionals who work with pests that pose a health risk
Entomological Society of America Professional Advancement Career Training (PACT) Initiative
Graduate Students and Postdocs in Entomology: Are you looking for tools and training to make yourself stand out as you look for the next step in your career? ESA’s new Professional Advancement Career Training (PACT) Initiative will help you develop the leadership capacity and “soft skills” sought after in today’s highly collaborative work environments—both within and beyond academia.
EPA Integrated Pest Management Webinars
The EPA Center for Integrated Pest Management hosts a yearly webinar series featuring experts from across the country relaying educational and practical strategies for establishing and improving integrated pest management programs in your facilities and environments.
Upcoming Webinars Previous Webinars
Global Vector Hub: Directory of Medical Entomology Courses
TDR has supported the development of a Global Atlas of Medical Entomology Schooling (GAMES), which lists a total of 126 medical entomology courses offered both on-campus and through distance learning in 32 countries across all WHO regions, covering seven languages. For each course, session dates, course outline, fees, language of instruction and responsible managers are listed.
Follow the link below to gain access to the directory. Please register on Global Vector Hub.
Mosquito Training Course for Pest Managers
The Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases, along with partners in the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is pleased to announce a new online course in mosquito training for pest managers. Participants who complete the 11 modules in the course will learn to identify and understand the mosquitoes of major importance in the urban environment, their life cycles, the general methods of control, personal protective equipment required for safe insecticide application, and the laws and regulations governing mosquito control for the urban pest management industry.
NACCHO’s Practical Guide to Building Local Mosquito Control Capacity
The National Association of County and City Health Officials and its vector control workgroup members identified the need for a focused, practical guide to help local health departments build new local mosquito control programs or enhance existing capabilities in the core competencies.
NEHA Vectors & Pests Webinars
The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) produces open-access webinars to improve the capacity of environmental health to identify and understand emerging vectors found in the United States. The NEHA Vector & Pests Webinars page provides up-to-date information on vector control topics and resources used to protect the public of the transmission of vector-borne diseases.
Online Tick Training Course
The Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases has developed an online tick training course, now available! This course is an introduction to ticks, tick-borne diseases, and tick control for employees in the urban pest management industry, public health entomologists, and anyone interested in learning more about ticks. This self-paced course is eligibile for 2 FDACS CEUs.
Pesticide Safety Education Program, Distance Learning Center
Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program (CCE-PSEP), is a federally-mandated program that has been a nationally-recognized leader in pesticide safety education for over 40 years. Their mission is to promote the safe use of pesticides to help reduce risks to applicators, consumers, and the environment. PSEP provides pesticide certification and training throughout New York state and serves as an unbiased source of pesticide information for applicators, researchers and the general public.These courses often carry continuing education credits accepted by New York, Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and West Virginia. Available courses include toxicity of pesticides, insect biocontrol, integrated tick management, introduction to developing IPM strategies, and more.
Vector Control for Environmental Health Professionals (VCEHP)
A no-cost 11-course learning series developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and partners. Program emphasized the use of integrated pest management (IPM) to address public health pests and vectors that spread disease.
Additional Career Websites
American Mosquito Control Association
American Public Health Association
American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene
Entomological Society of America
Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California
National Association of County and City Health Officials
New Jersey Mosquito Control Association
Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases
Society for Vector Ecology
Texas A&M University Entomology Job Board
