Post Doctoral Research Associate - New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases (NEWVEC)

About the role

The New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases (NEWVEC) is a multi-institutional, federally supported research and training center dedicated to reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases across the New England region and beyond. NEWVEC brings together leading scientists, public health practitioners, community partners, and educators to generate actionable research, train the next generation of vector-borne disease experts, and translate scientific findings into real-world prevention strategies. NEWVEC operates at the intersection of ecology, epidemiology, entomology, and public health tackling the growing challenge of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and other emerging threats in the region.

Responsibilities

• Work with a multi-institution research team to design, implement, and oversee an Integrated Tick Management (ITM) research program to evaluate operational tick reduction interventions.
• Apply a community of practice (CoP) model to engage local stakeholders throughout the research process, from problem definition through dissemination.
• Develop and field-test operational tools targeting tick-host management strategies, including host-targeted acaricide treatments, targeted wildlife habitat modification, and community-based tick surveillance.
• Synthesize and adapt published best practices in integrated tick management into implementable, locally relevant protocols.
• Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret entomological, ecological, and epidemiological data using appropriate quantitative methods.
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations for scientific and lay audiences.
• Collaborate with NEWVEC investigators and leadership, cooperating institutions, and agency partners across the region.

Requirements

Ph.D. in entomology, ecology, epidemiology, public health, wildlife biology, or a closely related field (degree must be conferred by the start date).

Demonstrated expertise in tick biology, acarology, vector ecology, or tick-borne disease research.

Experience with field-based research design, data collection, and statistical analysis.

Strong publication record commensurate with career stage.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with non-scientific audiences.

Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team environment.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

• Ph.D. in entomology, ecology, epidemiology, public health, wildlife biology, or a closely related field (degree must be conferred by the start date).
• Demonstrated expertise in tick biology, acarology, vector ecology, or tick-borne disease research.
• Experience with field-based research design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Strong publication record commensurate with career stage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with non-scientific audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team environment.

Skills

Experience applying community engagement or community of practice frameworks in applied research settings.

Familiarity with integrated pest management, wildlife management, or host-targeted intervention strategies.

Experience with geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis.

Prior teaching, extension, or science communication experience.

Knowledge of New England tick ecology and vector-borne disease epidemiology.

Benefits

A vibrant, collaborative, and well-funded research environment at the leading edge of vector-borne disease science.

Mentorship from nationally recognized researchers across a network of New England universities and public health institutions.

Diverse professional development opportunities including scientific writing support, grant writing training, and career planning resources.

Meaningful community engagement and the opportunity to produce research with direct, measurable public health benefit.

Competitive postdoctoral salary consistent with NIH guidelines, comprehensive health benefits, and support for conference travel and professional activities.

Pay

Salary minimum is determined by collective bargaining agreement based on years of experience.

Salary may exceed the floor and will be determined by the PI (final salary will be stated in offer letter).

Current floors based on 100% time, 40 hours/week: 0-2 years $62,838 3-4 years $66,287 5+ years $71,033

Schedule

Typically, Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm, 40 hours per week. Hours might be subject to change due to project needs.