The MCE-VBD is recruiting two postdoctoral scholars to lead CDC-funded projects investigating vector and vector-borne disease management, using statistical models combined with field surveys and observations. The postdoctoral associates will be based at the University of Wisconsin in the Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne disease, working with Susan Paskewitz (Department of Entomology) and Lyric Bartholomay (Department of Pathobiological Sciences). They will interact with other project PIs and partners in public health and vector control in the Upper Midwest, including Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Minnesota, U.S.A.

The successful candidates will contribute to one or more research projects that include: 1) evaluating currently available methods for reduction of host-seeking blacklegged ticks or West Nile virus vectors, 2) conducting lab, semi-field, and field trials evaluating new products and delivery mechanisms for tick or mosquito control, 3) evaluating impacts of public health education on vector bite prevention.

Review of applications will begin immediately and the position start date is flexible. These postdoctoral fellow positions will work full-time for up to 4 years and will begin as soon as possible.

The postdoctoral scholars will be part of the Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector Borne Disease, established in 2017 by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, with the mission of preventing vector-borne disease in the Upper Midwest. The Center’s approach to this ambitious goal involves working with partners in public health and vector control to understand the knowledge gaps and challenges associated with vector-borne disease, conducting rigorous assessment of new and existing vector management approaches, and providing real-world research experiences to a next generation of public health entomologists.

Required Education: Ph.D., particularly in Entomology and/or Ecology with dissertation work emphasizing data analytics.

Preferred Experience:

Applicants must have experience in statistical modeling and conducting field research as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings. Experience with arthropods or small mammals and their control is preferred. The ideal applicant will have a track record of research productivity, as evidenced by first authored original publications in high quality peer-reviewed journals; experience in field study design; and experience with statistical analysis and modeling of complex systems. The successful candidate is self-motivated, has strong communication skills, has demonstrated leadership skills to take charge of organizing and managing their projects and to mentor others in the Paskewitz and Bartholomay labs.

Duties/Responsibilities:

In addition to research at the bench, responsibilities include mentoring students and technicians, development of training and educational materials, participating in research seminars, presenting at scientific meetings, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Salary: Based on NRSA stipend/NIH pay scale for Postdocs at time of hire.

Application Process: Address your application materials directly to Drs. Lyric Bartholomay and Susan Paskewitz and send to Danielle Smith (dlsmith9@wisc.edu). Your application package should include a cover letter that speaks to your experiences as outlined in “Preferred Experiences” section above, a current CV, and contact information for three references.

Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The University of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Additional Information: The University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI, USA) is a top-ranked research institution. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is ranked 4th in the nation for research excellence, social mobility, and community according to Washington Monthly’s 2021.