We are seeking a creative and interactive individual to join our group as a postdoctoral fellow to play an integral role in the establishment of a new wildlife health initiative at Penn Vet, the Wildlife Futures Program (WFP). The postdoctoral fellow to investigate zoonotic diseases and/or disease spillover among animal species. This is an exciting and unique position with considerable flexibility to develop projects and conduct work related to the applicant’s area of interest. However, we anticipate the postdoc will contribute to existing projects on SARS-CoV-2 in wild and domestic animals. The ideal candidate will have expertise in some aspects of molecular virology and/or using viral sequence data in phylodynamic models. Publication of collaborative research findings in peer-reviewed journals and representing the Wildlife Futures Program at professional meetings and trainings will all be expected. The work will be conducted under the guidance of Drs. Roderick (Erick) Gagne and Julie Ellis, wildlife disease ecologists.

The position is located at PennVet New Bolton Center in Chester County, PA. New Bolton Center is in the beautiful Brandywine Valley where there are many nearby opportunities for outdoor recreation and cultural attractions, including Longwood Gardens, Brandywine River Museum of Art, vineyards, breweries, and a vibrant restaurant scene including downtown Kennett Square. In addition, the postdoc will be a part of the University of Pennsylvania’s Biomedical Postdoctoral Program Home | Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs | Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (upenn.edu) The program emphasizes career and personal development and strives to provide the highest quality training in and outside of the labs. There will be opportunities for the postdoc to travel to Philadelphia (~35 miles) as well as remotely participate in programing provided by the program.

Qualifications: A Ph.D. in a related field is required. Expertise in generating and working with high-throughput viral sequencing data is preferred. Other experience in infectious disease will be considered. The ability to collaborate and clearly communicate written and verbal scientific objectives and project results to a broad is audience (e.g. public, agency staff) is required. Above all else, the position requires someone committed to a safe, respectful, and diverse working environment.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to Erick Gagne, rgagne@upenn.edu. Review of applications will begin July 11th but the position will remain open until filled. The position has funding for three years and pay will be based upon the NIH postdoc scale (starts at $54,840). Please feel free to reach out with any questions about this unique opportunity.