Title: Post Doctoral Research Associate - New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases (NEWVEC)
Executive Area: Academic Affairs
College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences
Department: Microbiology
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Job Summary
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.
NEWVEC invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead a newly funded project focused on developing operational, evidence-based tools and strategies to reduce the incidence of human-biting ticks on coastal island community. This position offers a unique opportunity to conduct applied, translational research with direct public health impact.
The Fellow will employ a community of practice (CoP) framework, engaging diverse stakeholders including land managers, public health departments, school systems, and community residents to co-develop, evaluate, and disseminate tick reduction strategies. A central focus will be the management of key wildlife reservoir hosts (e.g., white-tailed deer) that sustain tick populations in residential and peri-urban environments.
In addition to research responsibilities, the Fellow will actively contribute to NEWVEC's educational mission through classroom instruction and public outreach activities, providing valuable experience in scientific communication and professional training.
Essential Functions
Research & Project Leadership
Work with a multi-institution research team to design, implement, and oversee a 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.
Training & Education
Contribute to NEWVEC's formal training program by delivering lectures and facilitating sessions in graduate and professional courses related to vector biology, tick ecology, and tick-borne disease prevention.
Develop educational and extension materials (fact sheets, toolkits, training modules) for diverse audiences including public health professionals, municipal workers, and the general public.
Participate in NEWVEC-sponsored outreach events, workshops, and community education forums.
Mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and early-career public health trainees affiliated with NEWVEC.
Other Functions
Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.
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.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Additional Details
WHAT NEWVEC OFFERS
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.
At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments, and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Typically, Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm, 40 hours per week.
Hours might be subject to change due to project needs.
Salary Information
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
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
