CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

PacVec shares career, internship, and fellowship opportunities provided by our partners and affiliations. Explore the current opportunities here:

Need help advertising positions for students?

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. These can be simple job postings that we will advertise to our undergraduates or we can 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.

If you are interested, please send us a note at training@pacvec.us. 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.

Additional Career Resources:

STUDENT AND POSTDOCTORAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno is recruiting for a Research Scientist. The primary responsibilities will include conducting vector biology research including mosquito and tick embryo injections, gene editing by CRISPR-Cas9 in order to enable genotype to phenotype studies with a focus on insulin signaling pathway, and bioinformatics. The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology focus is to provide strong educational programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, to conduct high quality research in biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology, and to effectively transmit scientific knowledge to the general public.

Location: Reno, NV
Application due: 04/27/2021 12:00 AM

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The Gulia-Nuss Lab is seeking to fill the postdoctoral position on an NIH-funded project: Tick genomics, proteomics, lipidomics.
  • Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of the tick cuticle
  • Biochecmical analysis of the associated lipid layer of the tick cuticles during blood feeding
  • And many more exciting projects in tick and mosquito physiology
Please email Dr. Monika Gulia-Nuss at mgulianuss@unr.edu if you are interested. To learn more about the Gulia-Nuss Lab, visit here.

Location: University of Nevada, Reno, NV

Two postdoctoral positions are available for highly motivated individuals to study mosquito – pathogen - host interactions using state-of-the-art approaches, combining infection assays,genetics, interaction and field studies. The postdoctoral scientists will have considerable freedom to develop related research projects according to his/her interests. Expertise and aptitude in at least some of the following areas is essential: molecular biology, entomology, animal handling, virology, genetics, immunology and field work. The Vasilakis Lab [Nikos Vasilakis Lab | Create-NEO | Sealy Center for Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases] is affiliated to the Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch. The department have state-of-the-art biocontainment and insectary facilities and comprise an excellent group of faculty with a broad range of interests and expertise in vector-borne infectious diseases. The department and institution provide an excellent environment for biomedical career development. Please address enquires and applications (letter of personal and academic goals, CV, and contact information for two references) to Nikos Vasilakis (nivasila@utmb.edu).

Location: Galveston, TX

The University of Texas Medical Branch is seeking to fill the position, Research Associate I. This position will perform varying standardized laboratory assignments and experiments. Minimum qualifications are: Bachelor's degree in basic science or equivalent; no experience required. Experience in cellular immunology, molecular biology, microbiology, cell culture and sterile technique preferred.

Location: Galveston, TX

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The University of South Carolina Laboratory (UofSC) of Zoonotic and Vector-borne diseases is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to join the lab, starting January 2021. The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Melissa Nolan to execute multiplex pathogen detection assays, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis on pediatric cohort samples and insect vector species. About the UofSC Laboratory of Zoonotic and Vector-borne Diseases: the laboratory focuses on the epidemiology of Spotted Fever group rickettsioses, Chagas disease, gastrointestinal parasites and emerging arboviral pathogens in the United States and Latin America.

Location: Columbia, SC

The Thangamani Lab is looking to hire an organized, detail-oriented, and motivated individual. The ideal candidate will use molecular, immunological and imaging methods to investigate the biology of arbovirus transmission at the vector-host-virus interface. Individual with demonstrated experience in viral immunology and imaging is preferred. Enthusiastic individual should also have:

  1. Strong interest in our lab research [https://thangamani-lab.com/research-projects]
  2. Willingness to work with BSL-3 agents within BSL-3/ABSL-3/ACL-3 laboratories
  3. Possess strong verbal/written communication & organizational skills

Dr. Mike C. Wimberly is seeking an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to study the environmental determinants of mosquito-borne disease transmission. The position is in the Ecological and Geospatial Research and Applications in Planetary Health (EcoGRAPH) group in the Department of Geography & Environmental Sustainability at the University of Oklahoma. The postdoc will have a major role in a new NIH-funded study exploring urban landscapes, climate variability, and mosquito transmission in India. This exciting project (R01AI153444) is a collaboration with Cornell University and the University of Chicago. They will also contribute to an established project on West Nile virus forecasting across four U.S. states.

The position is available as early as May 1, 2021, although a later start date is negotiable, and will be open until filled. To apply, please send a letter of interest and a CV to Dr. Mike Wimberly at mcwimberly@ou.edu. Please feel free to send an email first if you have questions about the position

The Urban Entomology lab at Department of Entomology, Rutgers University has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position starting in January 2021. Primary responsibility is to conduct applied research in urban pest management. Current projects include house mouse and cockroach management research in apartment buildings. The secondary responsibility is to collaborate with the pest control industry to design, execute, and summarize bioassays. Requires a PhD in area of Entomology or closely related field. Requires a strong background and knowledge of insect behavior, pest management, insecticide toxicology, experimental design and statistical analysis, excellent organizational, interpersonal skills. Visit the page of Dr. Changlu Wang to learn more about this position and how to apply.

Location: New Brunswick, NJ

The Reiskind Vector Ecology Laboratory at North Carolina State University has a research assistantship available for a doctoral or master’s student.  Responsibilities would include assessing bed net material efficacy, maintaining mosquito colonies, and developing and completing an original research thesis or dissertation project on the ecology of arthropod vectors.  The position is available starting in June of 2021, with enrollment as a graduate student in August of 2021. The position comes with a competitive stipend, health insurance, and tuition and fees paid.  For more information, please contact Dr. Michael Reiskind  or our Director of Graduate Programs, Dr. Clyde Sorenson about applying.

Location: Raleigh, NC

The Gompper lab at New Mexico State University’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology (https://fwce.nmsu.edu/) is seeking a Post-doctoral Research Associate in the field of Wildlife Disease Ecology, with a focus on understanding parasite-host interactions in the arid-land ecosystems of the southwestern US. Pending final approval of funding for the position, the expected start date is July 1 2021 (although earlier or later start dates may be possible). It is expected that two years of support is available for the position. The selected candidate will focus on several projects, including most prominently a NSF-funded study of the ecology of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus and a USDA – McIntire-Stennis funded project on the impacts of fire on the ecological parasitology of mammals.

Please send cover letter (describing motivation, qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to this position), CV, and names (with contact information) of three references to gompperm@nmsu.edu. Evaluation of applications will commence April 1 2021 and continue until the position is filled.

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The Aliota laboratory at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary medicine is seeking a postdoc to help lead multidisciplinary projects in arbovirus evolution, transmission, and pathogenesis. The candidate for this position may work on projects that are mosquito-centric, vertebrate-centric, virus-centric, or a mix of all three. The position is available as early as May 2021 and will be for a minimum of 2 years. The projects will include one or more of the following: (1) the impact of pre-existing immunity to dengue virus on Zika virus pathogenesis in pregnant nonhuman primates, (2) the molecular evolution of Zika virus during host switching, (3) antiviral signaling at the maternal-fetal interface, or (4) other interesting projects that may emerge.

Interested in joining our team? Email your CV, 1 page cover letter (that includes an outline of the research projects/interests you may like to develop or bring to our lab), 1 writing sample (paper or grant), and the contact info for 3 references; or questions to mtaliota@umn.edu.

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Application due: Open until filled (start date is anytime between May and December 2021)

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SUMMER AND SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District is inviting applications for the following:

The positions below are excellent summer opportunities for interested students. The vector control assistant position will involve a combination of field research and data analysis. The social media internship will involve developing and creating engaging and creative social media and digital media content. The start and end dates are flexible, and the specific job duties will be determined in consultation with the applicant based on skills and common interests with the District.

  • Social Media Intern
    • Salary: $15.00 per hour
    • Location: Roseville & Truckee, CA
    • Application due: 04/29/2021

Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District is inviting applications for the following:

A full-length work term for interns would start in May and end in October which generally corresponds to our mosquito season. The greatest need of the District for this position is from June through August.  Well-qualified or returning employees in this position may be granted flexibility in work term, if necessary, provided it does not compromise District operations or goals. The specific timing of all work schedules and terms will be dictated by environmental conditions and the needs of the District.

Heluna Health (dba Public Health Foundation Enterprises) and the Vector-Borne Disease Section (VBDS) of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are recruiting for Research Assistants in the West Nile virus (WNV) and Dead Bird Surveillance Program. Multiple full-time and possibly part-time positions will support the WNV and Dead Bird Call Center from June 1st to September 30th. This position requires a knowledge of California birds and the ability to communicate scientific information verbally to the public and public health agencies.

Salary: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Location: Richmond, CA
Application due: 04/26/2021

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Sac-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District is inviting applications to fill these positions:

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Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District is inviting applications to fill these positions:

Merced County Mosquito Abatement District is inviting applications for the following:

Employment will be seasonal (April to November): 

East Side Mosquito Abatement District is inviting applications to fill these positions:

  • Mosquito Control Assistant/Technician (Seasonal) - Announcement | Description
    • Salary: $24.03 - $29.99 per hour
    • Location: Modesto, CA
    • Applications due: 02/26/2021

  • Mosquito Control Aide (Seasonal) - Announcement | Description
    • Salary: $13.50 – $15.00 per hour
    • Location: Modesto, CA
    • Application due: Open until filled

Position is temporary - 6-month seasonal hire with tentative start date between May and July

Salary: $17.30 - $20.00 per hour
Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA
Application due: Continuous

Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District is inviting applications for the following positions:

Summer/fall seasonal - The Field Sciences seasonal position is responsible for assisting the Field Biologists with field evaluations, data entry, shipping of equipment and keeping inventory up to date. The candidate will assist with some of our local and remote studies following strict procedures accordingly with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. The ideal candidate will have completed or pursuing a degree in Biology, Entomology, Environmental Science or a related field. Travel via airplane for up to 3 weeks at a time may be required for this position.

Salary: $16.00 per hour
Location: San Diego County, CA
Application due: Open until filled

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Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District is seeking applications to fill this position:

Position is temporary - Mid-April to October
(The district can negotiate the timing of employment)

  • Salary: $1,120 - $1,280 bi-weekly
  • Location: Bakersfield, CA

Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (MVCD) is inviting applications to fill this position. This is a temporary, full-time, seasonal position (start and end dates vary but run approximately April through early November).

Currently HIRING for the 2021 season!

Salary: $14.25 per hour
Location: Lancaster, CA

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Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District is looking for qualified applicants to fill numerous job openings for entry level, seasonal vector control technicians. These technicians work under the supervision of a licensed vector control technician to implement Integrated Vector Management practices to protect residents of Northwest Riverside County. Assigned duties include: Identifying, removing, or treating sources where mosquitoes develop; keep written and electronic records as indicated for work performed; assist in receiving and maintaining inventories; attend training sessions and completes learning assignments in vector control; assist in maintenance of District headquarters.

Salary: $15.65 per hour
Location: Corona, CA
Application due: Open until filled

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Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District is inviting applications for various seasonal positions:

  • Mosquito & Vector Control Assistant (Seasonal)
  • Lab Assistant (Seasonal)
  • Shop / Hangar Assistant (Seasonal)
Salary: $14.00 - $17.00 per hour
Location: Oroville, CA
Applications due: Open until filled

VECTOR CONTROL AND PUBLIC HEALTH OPPORTUNITIES

Grant County Mosquito Control District 1 is recruiting for a Vector Ecologist. This position, under the general direction of the District Manager and direct supervision of the Assistant Manager, is a mid-level position that performs mosquito and vector-borne disease surveillance along with the supervision of truck ULV adulticide applications. If you would like an application for employment or more information, please contact District Manager, Ann Belchik-Moser at amoser@gcmcd1.org or call (509) 765-7731.

Salary: $48,000.00 per year
Location: Moses Lake, WA
Application posted: 02/10/2021

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During the warmer months of the year, under the general direction of the District Manager and Assistant Manager and direct supervision of the Regional Supervisor, the Mosquito and Vector Control Specialist (MVCS) performs vector surveillance, performs vector control operations, and provides public education within the District’s service area. The MVCS is assigned a geographic zone and/or specialized functions of a vector control agency, and performs work as required. During the cooler months of the year, the MVCS performs annual maintenance of spray equipment/machines, ATVs, vehicles, and facilities; performs personnel and equipment characterization and calibration; performs and assists with special projects; receives annual training and attends continuing education courses.

Salary: $4,149.16 - $5,839.16 per month
Location: Oroville, CA
Application due: Open until filled

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Reporting directly to the Assistant Manager, the Source Reduction Specialist’s primary responsibility is to perform mosquito surveillance and control work on lands irrigated with treated municipal wastewater. Working closely with property owners and other agencies, the Source Reduction specialist also plays an important role in large-scale physical control of mosquito habitat, managing vegetation and transporting specialized equipment in wetlands and tidal marshes.Equipment operated ranges from all-terrain and amphibious vehicles to excavators, Snowcats and watercraft.


Salary: $84,497.00 - $97,011.00 per year
Location: Cotati, CA
Application due: 04/26/2021 at 4:00 PM

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Reporting directly to the Assistant Manager, the Rodent Specialist’s primary responsibility is providing assistance to the public and other agencies through varied means, including providing telephone consultations, education and on-site inspections at residences and businesses throughout the two-county service area. More complex rodent-related problems may require cooperation with other government agencies as well as coordination with neighborhood and community groups. At times, the Rodent Specialist gives talks and provides information at meetings outside regular work hours, including working in information booths at fairs and other community events.


Salary: $84,497.00 - $97,011.00 per year
Location: Cotati, CA
Application due: 04/26/2021 at 4:00 PM

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Coachella Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District is inviting applications to fill this position. Under direction, this at-will, exempt/confidential position performs a variety of confidential and highly responsible, complex administrative duties on behalf of the General Manager and Board of Trustees; administers and coordinates District agenda, minutes and communications; serves as liaison with District General Counsel, outside agencies and general public; manages official District records and performs other related duties.

Salary: $6,180.26 - $7, 887.75 per month
Location: Indio, CA
Application due: Open until filled

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West Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District is seeking applications for the following position: Scientific Operations Director. Under the direct supervision of the District Manager, the Scientific Director 1) plans, implements, directs, and administers the District’s Scientific Programs, and 2) supervises and trains laboratory scientific staff and any seasonal employees.

Salary: $46.16 - $57.64 per hour (depends on experience)
Location: Ontario, CA
Application due: Open until filled

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Under direction of the Operations Manager, supervises assigned employees and oversees related vector programs; performs quality control inspections; provides field and classroom instruction and training to field staff; assists field employees with problematic service request, vector inspections and control work; coordinates various projects with other agencies concerning implementation of code enforcement/administrative citation processes, field surveys, community education projects, and other related vector projects; and does other related supportive services as required.

Salary: $7,340.00 - $9,836.00 per month
Location: Contra Costa County, CA
Application due: Open until filled

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Under close supervision, to perform field inspections for the detection, control and prevention of mosquitoes, rodents and other vertebrate vectors. To learn about the District, please visit https://vector.sccgov.org/about-district

Location: Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA

Salary: $53,595.36 - $64,715.04 per year

Application due: 4/14/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

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Under the general direction of the Assistant Manager and direct supervision of the Field or Fisheries Supervisor, this position performs inspections and control operations or other related or specialized services in an assigned crew within the Control Operations department for the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Salary: Starting at $4,162.00 per month
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Application due: Open until filled

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Under the direction of the Scientific Program Manager, the Laboratory Technician I assists with field surveys for vectors and vector-borne diseases, identifies mosquitoes and other organisms to species and submits them for testing, assists with care/maintenance of sentinel chicken flocks, records data and performs routine data entry, assists with laboratory assays and field research projects, keeps laboratory and lab equipment clean and organized, assists with repair and maintenance of field surveillance equipment, and performs other work as needed by the District.

Salary: $6,403.00 - $8,581.00 per month
Location: Contra Costa County, CA
Application due: Open until filled

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The position of Mosquito Control Technician involves surveillance and control of mosquitoes on private and public lands within the District, with extended hours being worked in the mosquito season, which is compensated through time and one half-compensation time.  Field work includes: inspecting aquatic sites such as ponds, ditches, flooded fields and wetlands to determine mosquito incidence; mixing, loading and applying pesticides; operating pesticide application equipment such as power sprayers, compressed hand sprayers, granule spreaders and ULV units; operating 4-wheel vehicles on various types of terrain and road conditions; seining and planting mosquito fish; participating in community education programs; performing daily record keeping and shop work.

Location: Tehama County, CA
Application due: 04/30/2021

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ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES

The Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory (FMEL), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida is seeking applications to fill two Assistant Professor positions. These are 9-month tenure-accruing positions that will be 90% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 10% extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service, http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu). This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. Duties will include research and extension focusing on the biology and control of vectors and vector-borne pathogens with emphasis on vector physiology, behavior, or management/surveillance. Tenure will accrue in the Entomology and Nematology Department UF-IFAS. All inquiries should be made by email to eva.buckner@ufl.edu.

Location: Vero Beach, FL
Application due: 05/01/2021 (these positions will remain open until a viable applicant pool is obtained)

APPLY HERE     LEARN MORE

The Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory (FMEL), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida is seeking applications to fill the position, Assistant/Associate Professor (Arbocirus Systems Genetics, Genomics, or Engineering). This is a 9-month tenure-accruing position that will be 85% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 15% teaching (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences). Appointment at the Associate Professor level will be considered for individuals with special qualifications and experience and/or demonstrable research productivity and funding record. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. Research duties focus on arthropod vectors of disease, particularly mosquitoes and ticks, and the pathogens they transmit with emphasis on using modern genetic engineering tools and procedures (e.g. CRISPR-Cas9 mediated transgenesis) for developing and evaluating new information and tools relevant to arbovirus system management. Tenure will accrue in the appropriate department in UF-IFAS.  

Application due: 06/01/2021 (for full consideration); The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined

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The Department of Health Science & Human Ecology at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) invites applications from a diverse group of qualified applicants for a tenure track position of Department Chair, tenured, at the rank of Associate or Full Professor to begin August 2021. The Chair for the Department of Health Science & Human Ecology will work collaboratively with the faculty to provide leadership in performing a shared vision for the department. The Chair will responsibly oversee the budget, support and encourage student success, create partnerships in the community, and celebrate faculty, staff, alumni, and student achievements. The Chair must demonstrate transparency, a profound sense of professionalism, an unwavering ethical compass, and strong support for all aspects of public health and interdisciplinary and inter-professional collaboration. The Chair will represent the Department in requesting faculty, resources, and space from the College and University. The Department Chair will also be responsible to support and work with its faculty, staff, and students to maintain accreditation of various programs in the Department.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications
Location: San Bernardino, CA
Application due: Continuous

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APPLY HERE

The incumbent will serve as an Assistant or Associate Professor in the Department of PMB and as such will be responsible for teaching, research, administrative assignments, and service at the program, departmental, and university levels. He/she will be responsible for research and teaching in PMB Graduate Programs. The successful candidate is expected to teach courses in human Parasitology and Medical Zoology in both the School of Medicine and the Graduate School, serve as an academic advisor to both master’s and doctoral level students, and serve on thesis and dissertation committees for students in the School of Medicine and the Graduate School.

Location: Bethesda, MD
Applications posted: 09/28/2020 (Open until filled)

FELLOWSHIPS

The Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Disease is pleased to offer paid research fellowships to students and emerging professionals interested in the field of vector-borne disease during summer 2021. For approximately twelve weeks during the summer, MCE-VBD fellows will work directly on projects at partner institutions located across five Midwestern states, conducting research and/or surveillance related to tick and mosquito-borne disease under the supervision of academic and public health experts. Applicants must be located in the Midwest. If you have questions about the fellowship, contact Danielle Smith, MCE-VBD Center Coordinator, at 608-265-4741 or dlsmith9@wisc.edu.