Postdoctoral Associate in Planetary Health

About the role

The University of Vermont (UVM) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join a multidisciplinary team aimed at understanding the distribution of ticks and their pathogens across the Vermont landscape within the newly established Planetary Health Initiative at UVM. This project will investigate the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens across Vermont’s forested, agricultural, and recreational areas, including the environmental and ecological drivers of tick and pathogen prevalence, and the potential human-wildlife interaction hotspots for elevated disease risk. This project combines elements of ecology, disease pathology, environmental factors, human behavior, land use and recreation to assess the risk of tick-borne diseases like Lyme, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork to collect data on tick populations and pathogens.
• Develop and apply molecular techniques for pathogen detection, particularly PCR-based methods.
• Analyze spatial data using GIS and spatial statistics to understand the distribution of ticks and pathogens.
• Collaborate with other researchers to integrate ecological, epidemiological, and public health data.
• Write peer-reviewed publications and present findings at UVM and broader scientific conferences.
• Deliver actionable recommendations for public health, recreation use, and habitat management in relation to tick-borne diseases.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in ecology, disease ecology, wildlife biology, or a related field by the start date of the position.
• Strong background in field-based ecology and ecological modeling.
• Experience in molecular techniques for pathogen detection, particularly PCR-based methods.
• Familiarity with spatial analysis and modeling techniques (e.g., GIS, spatial statistics, population modeling).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to successfully mentor undergraduates in the field and lab.
• Ability to work in the field in inclement weather and to manage difficult terrain and habitat conditions.
• Demonstrated interest in applying ecological research to inform public health and land management practices.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in ecology, disease ecology, wildlife biology, or a related field by the start date of the position.
• Strong background in field-based ecology and ecological modeling.
• Experience in molecular techniques for pathogen detection, particularly PCR-based methods.
• Familiarity with spatial analysis and modeling techniques (e.g., GIS, spatial statistics, population modeling).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to successfully mentor undergraduates in the field and lab.
• Ability to work in the field in inclement weather and to manage difficult terrain and habitat conditions.
• Demonstrated interest in applying ecological research to inform public health and land management practices.

Skills

• Fieldwork and laboratory skills.
• Molecular techniques for pathogen detection.
• Spatial analysis and modeling.
• Public health and land management expertise.
• Effective communication and collaboration.

Benefits

• Opportunity to conduct impactful research in Planetary Health at the intersection of ecology, public health, and land management.
• Potential to influence tick-borne disease mitigation strategies in Vermont and beyond.
• To guide future tick-borne pathogen research in the state.

Pay

Anticipated Pay Range Final salary will be in-line with NIH Minimums and successful candidate's experience. Minimum $63,480

Schedule

This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with an option to split time between campus and elsewhere, in accordance with the university telecommuting policy.

Posting Details

Position will be posted for a minimum of one week, after which it is subject to removal without notice. Job Location Burlington, Vermont, United States Job Open Date 05/15/2026 Job Close Date (Jobs close at 11:59 PM EST.) Open Until Filled No

Our Common Ground Statement

The University of Vermont is a welcoming, educationally purposeful community committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces intellectual diversity and global perspectives. We seek to prepare students to be accountable leaders who will bring to their work a grasp of complexity, effective problem-solving and communication skills, and an enduring commitment to learning and ethical conduct. Members of the University of Vermont community embrace and advance the values of Our Common Ground: Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Openness, Justice, and Responsibility. Staff play a critical role in this effort and the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to UVM’s mission and advancing Our Common Ground values through the execution of their job duties.