CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREERS
PacVec shares career, internship, and fellowship opportunities provided by our partners and affiliations. Explore the current opportunities here:
STUDENT AND POSTDOCTORAL
An exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher is available in the research group of Dr. Leigh Combrink in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment (SNRE) at the University of Arizona. Dr. Combrink’s research group focuses on wildlife disease and conservation, with particular interest in diseases with zoonotic potential. The successful applicant will join a multi-institutional, multidisciplinary team comprised of academic researchers from within the UA (Departments: SNRE, Entomology, & Public Health), epidemiologists from the Coconino County Health and Human Services, and simulation modelers from the US Environmental Protection Agency). The team is working on developing spatial forecasting models of vector-borne infectious disease spread within Coconino County, AZ, with a focus on climate change. This project will provide the successful applicant the opportunity to engage with both local, state, and federal agencies working towards mitigating the risks of spread of vector-borne infectious diseases with the goal of a pandemic free future for the state of Arizona. There will be opportunities to engage in teaching and/or mentoring undergraduate students within the department. Please send inquiries to Dr. Leigh Combrink (leighcombrink@arizona.edu).
Location: The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Salary: $56,484.00 – $60,000.00 DOE
Application due: Open until filled
The Gulia-Nuss lab is recruiting TWO postdoctoral scientists to work on an NIH-funded R01 project. These positions are for five years; however, the annual contract renewal will depend on satisfactory performance. A PhD in biological sciences or a related field is required. These positions will span different areas of expertise, such as cell/developmental biology, Molecular biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, Arthropod/Vector biology, etc. High proficiency in scientific writing is mandatory, with a desire to publish and submit grant proposals. This project’s major focus is on developing a germline-Cas9 expressing tick line. Research areas include the development of CRISPR-Cas9-based gene knockout and knockin protocols for ticks, single-cell transcriptomics, promoter identification and characterization, and early embryonic development in tick species. UNR provides a competitive salary of a minimum of $50,000 per year + excellent retirement and medical benefits. Applicants should submit 1) a letter of application detailing required and preferred qualifications (no more than 1 page), 2) a current and complete curriculum vita, 3) a statement of research interests, and 4) names and contact information of at least three professional references. Please contact Dr. Monika Gulia-Nuss (775) 682-7333, mgulianuss@unr.edu.
Location: The University of Nevada, Reno, NV
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The Gulia-Nuss lab is recruiting a PhD student to study the endocrine regulation of tick blood feeding. The prospective student for this position will investigate how neuropeptides, especially insulin-like peptides, influence tick blood feeding, repletion, and blood digestion. A BS or MS degree in biology or related disciplines (e.g., molecular biology, biochemistry, endocrinology, neurobiology, etc.) is required. High proficiency in scientific writing, with a desire to publish in high-impact scientific journals is also required. Preferred qualifications include tissue culture research experience and mastery of molecular biology techniques (qRT-PCR, Western blots, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, etc.). Experience in high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, and entomology outreach is also a plus. Applicants should submit 1) a letter of application detailing required and preferred qualifications (no more than 1 page), 2) a current and complete curriculum vita, 3) a statement of research interests, and 4) names and contact information of at least three professional references. Please contact Dr. Monika Gulia-Nuss (775) 682-7333, mgulianuss@unr.edu.
Location: The University of Nevada, Reno, NV
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The MacDonald disease ecology lab at UC Santa Barbara and the Natural Capital Project at Stanford University are recruiting two postdoctoral scholars to work on an NSF EEID-funded project (DEB-2011147) investigating the effects of land use change on vector-borne disease. One postdoc will be based at UC Santa Barbara’s Bren School of Environmental Science and Management and primarily work with Dr. Andrew MacDonald in the Bren School. One postdoc will be based at Stanford University’s Biology Department and also affiliated with the Natural Capital Project at the Woods Institute for the Environment, advised by Dr. Lisa Mandle and Dr. Gretchen Daily. Both postdocs will collaborate and interact with other project PIs based at Stanford University (Dr. Erin Mordecai – Biology, and Dr. Eric Lambin – Earth System Science) and at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru (Dr. Willy Lescano).
To apply: please send one email to both lmandle@stanford.edu and macdonald@bren.ucsb.edu with the subject line “NSF EEID POSTDOC” and attach a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. The cover letter should summarize your relevant experience and qualifications and your interest in the positions, as well as indicate which of the positions (UC Santa Barbara, Stanford, or both) you are applying for.
Location: UC Santa Barbara or Stanford University, CA
Application due: Open until filled (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting 02/15/2023)
LEARN MORE: UC SANTA BARBARA OR STANFORD UNIVERSITY
A postdoc position is available within the Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (SECVBD). They are looking for a recent PhD graduate with applied research and molecular medical entomology or ecology training in tick-borne diseases. Please send SECVBD Program Coordinator Kassidy Caride (kcaride@ufl.edu) your cover letter and CV, as well as pdfs of your published or in press first-author publications. If you are interested but only finishing up between now and December 2023, please apply as well. Feel free to contact with any questions and share with parities you think may be interested.
The Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (E3B) at Columbia University invites applications for positions at the rank of Associate Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Research Scientist to contribute to transdisciplinary research on the ecological and social drivers of tick-borne diseases in the United States. The successful candidate will join the Eco-Epidemiology lab led by Dr. Maria Diuk-Wasser to support ongoing and new research initiatives to optimize tick-borne disease risk-reduction interventions. The positions require a PhD. in ecology, epidemiology, economics, applied statistics, or a related quantitative field.
SUMMER AND SEASONAL
The Seasonal Public Health Education and Outreach Assistant, under direct supervision of the Public Health Education and Outreach Officer, shall assist in all aspects of public education and outreach-related work, including assisting with summer youth outreach enrichment programs, development of social media content, and/or analysis of use of District services by residents throughout San Mateo County.
Location: Burlingame, CA
Dates: May/June through August/September (start and end dates flexible)
Salary: $26.00 – $31.00 per hour (depending on experience)
Application due: Applications accepted until 05/20/2023 or until position is filled
San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control is inviting applications to fill this position. Under direct supervision of the Operations Director, Field Operations Supervisor or Vector Control Technicians shall carry out routine inspections of residences in areas known to have mosquitoes, and/or complete field work entailing inspection and larvicidal treatment of creeks, catch basins, drains, salt marsh areas, miscellaneous sources, and stocking mosquito fish in backyard ponds. These positions also include preparing materials and equipment for work assignments, service requests, clearing access ways, some drainage maintenance, general maintenance, housekeeping, and assistance with frequent or routine needs. Seasonal employees are required to work dependably and cooperatively with others, maintain and appreciate safety precautions, and operate some specialized equipment. Seasonal employees may operate right-hand drive vehicles. Applications are always accepted and kept on file for three years.
Starting Salary: $19.00 – $25.00 per hour (depending on experience)
Location: Burlingame, CA
Dates: April/May through October/November (season length varies)
East Side Mosquito Abatement District is inviting applications to fill this position. Under direct supervision of the Operations Director, Field Operations Supervisor or Vector Control Technicians shall carry out routine inspections of residences in areas known to have mosquitoes, and/or complete field work entailing inspection and larvicidal treatment of creeks, catch basins, drains, salt marsh areas, miscellaneous sources, and stocking mosquito fish in backyard ponds. These positions also include preparing materials and equipment for work assignments, service requests, clearing access ways, some drainage maintenance, general maintenance, housekeeping, and assistance with frequent or routine needs. Seasonal employees are required to work dependably and cooperatively with others, maintain and appreciate safety precautions, and operate some specialized equipment. Seasonal employees may operate right-hand drive vehicles. Applications are always accepted and kept on file for three years.
Starting Salary: $13.50 – $15.00 per hour
Location: Modesto, CA
Application due: Open until filled
East Side Mosquito Abatement District is inviting applications to fill this position. Under general supervision, to locate potential sources of mosquitoes, planning and carry out required vector suppression activities, and perform other related work as required.
Starting Salary: $24.03 – $29.99 per hour
Location: Modesto, CA
Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District is inviting applications to fill this position. Under the direction of the District Manager and direct supervision of the lead Pilot and/or Mechanic, to assist with vehicle and equipment maintenance, design, and fabrication of spray equipment, traps and other related equipment, and District facilities maintenance; to assist the Pilot with Air Operations such as load preparations, loading of the plane, and other pre/post flight operation procedures; to perform related work as requested or required.The District currently maintains 18 full-time employees on its staff. In addition, the District hires ten to fourteen seasonal employees during the mosquito season.
Salary: $18.00 – $20.00 per hour
Location: Oroville, CA
Applications due: Open until filled
Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District is inviting applications to fill this position. Under the general direction of the District Manager and direct supervision of the Entomologist II or Entomologist I / Biologist I, if an Entomologist II is not employed, the Lab Assistant, assists with vector surveillance, insect identification, pesticide efficacy trials, resistance studies, vector-borne disease surveillance, lab and surveillance equipment preparation and maintenance, tabulates data, and/or any other specialized function of a vector control agency and performs work as required. The District currently maintains 18 full-time employees on its staff. In addition, the District hires ten to fourteen seasonal employees during the mosquito season.
Salary: $18.00 – $20.00 per hour
Location: Oroville, CA
Applications due: Open until filled
Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District is inviting applications to fill this position. Under the general direction of the District Manager, Assistant Manager, and Regional Supervisor and direct supervision of the Mosquito and Vector Control Specialist, Entomologist, Pilot or Mechanic the Mosquito and Vector Control Assistant, Lab Assistant or Shop/Hangar Assistant (Seasonal) performs vector surveillance, performs vector control operations, insect identification, pesticide efficacy trials, resistance studies and provides public education within the District’s service area, is assigned a geographic zone and/or specialized function of a vector control agency and performs work as required.The District currently maintains 18 full-time employees on its staff. In addition, the District hires ten to fourteen seasonal employees during the mosquito season.
Salary: $18.00 – $20.00 per hour
Location: Oroville, CA
Applications due: Open until filled
Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District is inviting applications to fill this position. The District accepts applications for seasonal employment throughout the year. Generally, the summer employment season is from March through October (depending on weather).
Salary: $14.00 per hour
Location: Fresno, CA
Applications due: Open until filled
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Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District is inviting applications to fill this position. The District accepts applications for seasonal employment throughout the year. Generally, the summer employment season is from March through October (depending on weather).
Salary: $16.00 per hour
Location: Fresno, CA
Applications due: Open until filled
Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District is inviting applications to fill this position. The District accepts applications for seasonal employment throughout the year. Generally, the summer employment season is from March through October (depending on weather).
Salary: $14.00 per hour
Location: Fresno, CA
Applications due: Open until filled
VECTOR CONTROL / PUBLIC HEALTH
The Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit (PRVCU) is currently seeking an Entomologist to join their dynamic team. PRVCU has been at the forefront of vector control efforts in Puerto Rico and other US territories, where they have made significant contributions to public health through their work in surveillance, technology evaluation, program implementation, and research. The Entomologist will oversee entomological aspects of the PRVCU’s laboratory and field operations (surveillance, control, mosquito identification, PCR testing for arboviruses, insecticide resistance testing, etc.). The incumbent will work closely with our Quality Assurance Officer to ensure that our data is reliable and high quality. The Entomologist will provide entomological expertise to other teams in the PRVCU such as the Community Engagement and Education team, and other units within the Trust as needed. The incumbent will be expected to collaborate with entomologists at the CDC Dengue Branch, PR and USVI Departments of Health, academic collaborators (both resident and visiting), and industry researchers. Publishing refereed papers and writing grant proposals will also be part of the position’s responsibilities. Significant international travel to Central American countries will be required, possibly on a frequent basis, and possibly for weeks/months at a time.
Location: San Juan, PR, US
Salary: $110,000.00 – $120,000.00 per year
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Salary: $109,107.00 – $141,836.00 per year
The East Side Mosquito Abatement District is seeking applications to fill this position. The Vector Biologist works under the general direction of and reports to the District Manager, conducts and assists with more complex planning and coordination of field surveys; coordinates with lead field staff for effective mosquito control; executes various aspects of the District’s technical program, applying knowledge associated with the scientific disciplines of entomology, biology, ecology, epidemiology, and microbiology.
Location: Modesto, CA
Salary: $31.49 – $38.22 per hour
Application due: Open until filled
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District is seeking applications to fill this position. Under the direct supervision of the Administrative Manager, performs a wide variety of administrative support duties, including but not limited to accounting functions, training, staff communication and support of the Administrative Manager. Performs other general clerical duties as required. Uses District accounting software to review, enter, post and adjust financial transactions such as, but not limited to, deposit permits, invoices, purchase orders, payroll, benefit and deduction changes; prepares checks for approval and payment. Provides professional and courteous service to the public over the phone and in person; answers questions, explains policies and procedures, records incoming service requests, receives complaints and refers them to appropriate staff. Files and maintains administrative, financial and personnel records, including, but not limited to, service contracts, monthly and annual statements, vendor profiles, changes in employee pay rates, benefits and deductions.
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Salary: Starting salary will depend on experience.
Application due: Open until filled
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is seeking applications to fill this position. Under general direction, performs complex and varied technical, professional, and confidential work required to administer human resources programs, including recruitment, job analysis and classification, compensation, employee benefits, and employee and labor relations; performs research and analysis; provides consulting services to District departments related to all aspects of human resources programs and activities; and performs related work, as required. Receives general direction from the Director of Administrative Services. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
Location: West Covina, CA
Salary: $74,568.00 – $93,204.80 per year
Application due: 10/13/2023 at 11:59 PM PDT
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Salary: $200,000.00 – $250,000.00 per year
Application due: 10/24/2023 at 11:59 PM MT | 10:59 PM PDT
ACADEMIC
Academic opportunities are organized by the most recent to the oldest job postings.
The Department of Entomology at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a fulltime, 9-month tenure track Assistant Professor with 60% research and 40% teaching assignment. They are seeking candidates with expertise in arthropods of medical/veterinary significance that may include research from cellular to global scales; interactions of arthropod vectors with pathogens, symbionts and other microbes using state-of-the-art genomic and/or other technologies; basic and applied questions at the individual, population, community, or ecosystem levels; and big data modeling within a multidisciplinary, systems biology and One Health approach. The appointee will be expected to build an internationally prominent research program in this area and contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching and department, college, and university service.
Location: East Lansing, MI
Anticipated start date: 8/16/2024
Application due: For full consideration, apply by 11/13/2023
The Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, is seeking applications to fill this position. Responsibilities include: documentation of a creative, focused and productive research program in computational population epidemiology related to animal health outcomes and infectious disease dynamics; advanced biostatistical and mathematical modeling with incorporation of machine learning analytical techniques and/or innovative computational methods for prediction of zoonotic disease emergence will be fundamental and indispensable for the position that lead to impactful outcomes including publication of results in peer-reviewed professional/scientific journals; teaching biostatistics (including artificial intelligence approaches) and epidemiology through learning activities assigned; university and public service through committee work, participation in professional organizations, continuing education and other appropriate means is expected; advance the disciplines of epidemiology, wildlife health, public health, infectious disease within the School of Veterinary Medicine, as well as locally and nationally. Expected to establish reputation for excellence locally, regionally, and nationally.
Location: Davis, CA
Salary Range: $166,400.00 – $216,000.00 per year
Application due: 9/30/2023
The Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking candidates for a tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor position in the field of host-pathogen interactions. The applicant will be expected to develop and maintain an independent, extramurally funded, nationally recognized research program. Potential areas of research include host-pathogen interactions in natural hosts or animal models with an emphasis on bacteriology, parasitology, prion biology, virology, or immunology at any relevant scale, from molecules to populations. Minimum requirements for an assistant professor include a PhD, two years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience in a relevant field, and evidence of potential for developing a nationally recognized research program. Interested applicants must apply for Job #283466-FA via the university web site. The application should include: 1) a cover letter with a brief description of research experience in the field; 2) a 2-page research plan including a description of your vision for your research program at UW-Madison; 3) a 1-page statement of teaching philosophy; and 4) a detailed curriculum vitae. In addition, applicants should provide names and email addresses for three references.
Location: Madison, WI
Application open: 7/19/2023
Application due: For full consideration, application materials should be received by 9/30/2023; however, applications may be considered until the position is filled.
The Gulia-Nuss lab focuses on genetics, genomics, and physiology of arthropod disease vectors; primarily ticks and mosquitoes. The ideal candidate will be motivated to lead projects on tick genetics and genomics, especially genome modification in ticks. A PhD in biological sciences or a related field and a min. of 2 years of postdoc experience are required. Prior experience in one of the areas of biology: genetics, molecular biology, developmental biology, and/or biochemistry is required. High proficiency in scientific writing is mandatory, with a desire to publish and submit grant proposals. This position is for 2 years. The second year is dependent on satisfactory performance in year 1. Tick research experience is not required; however, experience working with non-model organisms will be a plus. Applicants should submit 1) a letter of application detailing required and preferred qualifications (no more than 1 page), 2) a current and complete curriculum vita, 3) a statement of research interests, and 4) names and contact information of at least three professional references. Please contact Dr. Monika Gulia-Nuss (775) 682-7333, mgulianuss@unr.edu.
Location: The University of Nevada, Reno, NV
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The Nuss lab focuses on the physiology of a variety of insects including plant pests and vectors of disease. Ideal applicants should be highly enthusiastic to lead projects on neuropeptides, gut physiology, and olfaction. A PhD in biology or related disciplines (e.g., molecular biology, entomology, biochemistry, endocrinology, etc.) and a minimum of 2 years of postdoc experience is required. The applicant must have demonstrated competence in molecular biology techniques (qRT-PCR, Western blots, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, etc.). High proficiency in scientific writing is mandatory, with a desire to publish in high-impact scientific journals and submit grant proposals. This position is for two years. The second year is dependent on satisfactory performance in year 1. Not required but preferred: tissue culture research experience working with insect cell lines, experience with insects, neuropeptides, high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, or receptor pharmacology. Applicants should submit 1) a letter of application detailing required and preferred qualifications (no more than 1 page), 2) a current and complete curriculum vita, 3) a statement of research interests, and 4) names and contact information of at least three professional references. Please contact Dr. Andrew Nuss, (775) 327-5096, nussab@unr.edu.
Location: The University of Nevada, Reno, NV
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Location: College Station, TX
Next review date: 06/01/2023
Anticipated start date: 01/01/2024 (but an earlier date may be negotiable)
Application due: Open until filled

Location: New Haven, CT
Date posted: 03/22/2023
Application due: 03/22/2024 at 11:59 PM ET
FELLOWSHIPS / MENTORSHIPS
The US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) has medical entomology fellowship opportunities open to recent Master’s-level graduates. The USAFSAM medical entomology program provides warfighters with timely, actionable information about vector-borne and zoonotic disease threats in their areas of operation. Their support of the Public Health mission allows their customers to make evidence-based force health protection recommendations anywhere in the world.
- Medical Entomology Fellowship – The Air Force entomology laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base receives public health surveillance samples from Air and Space Force installations worldwide. During this research experience, you will provide surveillance and research support primarily by identifying medically important arthropods received by the laboratory. You will also conduct fieldwork in the United States to collect arthropods such as ticks, mosquitoes or other vectors of interest, and you may test arthropod samples for vector-borne and zoonotic disease agents. Depending on laboratory needs and your interests, you may have the opportunity to conduct one or more analyses to determine blood meal hosts for vectors, pathogen variants present in different vectors or localities, insecticide resistance status of vectors, or phylogenetic relationships among vectors or detected agents. You may also have the opportunity to engage in field and laboratory investigations into any new or emerging vector-borne or zoonotic disease agents or invasive species detected or recognized at Air or Space Force installations. Learn more here.
- Medical Entomology Laboratory Fellowship – The medical entomology laboratory receives public health surveillance samples from Air and Space Force installations worldwide. As an ORISE participant, you will provide surveillance and research support primarily by processing, testing and analyzing medically important arthropods received by the laboratory. Arthropods received by the lab are tested for a variety of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases which include bacteria, viruses and parasites. You may evaluate and/or use different processing, testing and analytical approaches across vector types (ex. mosquitoes, ticks), on different instrument platforms, or may construct microorganism or arthropod phylogenies. You may also have the opportunity to optimize SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) genotyping assays such as for 1) insecticide resistance allele determination in mosquitoes, or 2) deer/human variant status in Anaplasma phagocytophilum. DNA barcoding will be used to support identification of damaged or novel samples. Opportunities for host bloodmeal identification, virus sequence recovery from degraded samples or exploration of tick cryptic diversity (Sanger sequencing approach) are available based on your background and interests. You may also support arthropod identification activities or participate in fieldwork to collect arthropods such as ticks, mosquitoes or other vectors of interest. Learn more here.
Location: Dayton, OH
Anticipated start date: 9/30/2023
Application due: 9/28/2023 at 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PDT
ADDITIONAL CAREER WEBSITES
- Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC)
- The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)
- American Public Health Association
- Entomological Society of America (ESA)
- Society for Vector Ecology (SOVE)
- Utah Mosquito Abatement Association (UMAA)
- West Central Mosquito and Vector Control Association (WCMVCA)
- Alameda County MAD
- Contra Cost MVCD
- Marin/Sonoma MVCD
- San Mateo County MVCD
- Santa Clara County MVCD
- Butte County MVCD
- Placer MVCD
- Sacramento-Yolo MVCD
- Shasta MVCD
- Sutter-Yuba MVCD
- Tehama County MVCD
- East Side MAD
- Merced County MAD
- San Joaquin County MVCD
- Turlock MAD
- Consolidated MAD
- Delta MVCD
- Fresno MVCD
- Kern MVCD
- Antelope Valley MVCD
- Coachella Valley MVCD
- Greater Los Angeles County VCD
- Northwest MVCD
- Orange County MVCD
- San Bernardino County MVCD
- San Gabriel Valley MVCD
- West Valley MVCD
- Salt Lake City MAD
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Please contact us if your agency has seasonal positions that may be of interest to undergraduate students in the Pacific Southwest region! Such positions are important formative experiences for students, and they are excellent opportunities to raise awareness of career opportunities in vector-borne diseases. PacVec will help advertise by sharing simple job postings with our undergraduate students through our website, weekly newsletters, and job announcements. We can also help you partner with faculty for project-based internships that involve academic credit with a faculty mentor and possible continued data analysis during the school year. To maximize your audience and reach the best candidates for your positions, please send us these position announcements as early as possible, ideally in January or February, before students have settled their summer plans.
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The Pacific Southwest Regional Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases is supported through Cooperative Agreement Number 1U01CK000649 between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the University of California, Davis.
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