William C. Reeves New Investigator Award applications due October 4, 2021
Applications for the 2022 William C. Reeves New Investigator Award will be accepted through Monday, October 4, 2021. The William C. Reeves New Investigator Award is sponsored by the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) in memory of Dr. William C. Reeves, who was a renowned University of California medical entomologist. The award is presented for the best scientific paper submitted and presented at the annual MVCAC conference. Eligibility includes all students enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program or who have completed such a degree within the previous three calendar years.[Learn More].
RNAi by soaking Aedes aegypti pupae in dsRNA
Even after decades of control interventions, mosquito-borne diseases still pose a huge threat to humans. Understanding gene functions is important for discovering new targets for mosquito and mosquito-borne disease control. One of the well-established and widely used methods for understanding gene function is RNA-interference (RNAi). RNAi is a standard technique for functional genomics in adult mosquitoes. The use of RNAi is, however, restricted mostly to adult mosquitoes. A few studies have shown its applicability in mosquito larvae, and just one in pupae. The current double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery methods for RNAi are labor-intensive and require microinjections into mosquitoes (adults, larvae, or pupae). In this recent study, PacVec training grant recipients, graduate research associate Fiza Arshad and Dr. Monika Gulia-Nuss from the University of Nevada, Reno, present a simple, fast, and less labor-intensive technique for RNAi in the pupal stage by soaking pupae in water containing dsRNA without any carrier or osmotic challenge. The knockdown persisted into adulthood. The authors expect that this simple procedure will be useful in the functional analysis of genes that are expressed highly in pupae or newly emerged adults [full article].
West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) activity continues in the Pacific Southwest
The Utah Department of Health recently reported that 114 positive mosquito pools for WNV have been found throughout the state this year.
Idaho
Two human cases of WNV disease have been recorded in Ada County (human fever) and Canyon County (neuro-invasive), ID. More WNV-positive mosquitoes have also been detected in Idaho.
As mosquito season ramps up, vector control agencies urge the public to take precautions such as applying repellents on exposed skin and eliminating mosquito breeding sites from backyards.
Special issue on citizen science approaches to vector surveillance
Dr. Benjamin Cull (cull0122@umn.edu) and Dr. Emma Gillingham (emma.gillingham@phe.gov.uk) are putting together an article collection in Insects aiming to highlight the application of citizen science in vector surveillance, including the use of targeted citizen science projects, smartphone apps, social media, online databases, and other passive surveillance methods for the collection of vector data. Research showcasing integration of citizen science into existing surveillance programs, comparison of passive and active surveillance data, or reviews on this topic are also very welcome. Insects is an international, peer-reviewed open access journal of entomology. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to contribute.
Meet our current training grant recipients!
“Habitat connectivity and transmission dynamics of tick-borne diseases”
Grace Shaw, B.S., Trainee
Grace Shaw is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology at San Francisco State University. Shaw earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from Lewis & Clark College, before going on to work for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy where she managed the Mission blue butterfly translocation project. Working in the Swei Lab, Shaw is interested in the link between anthropogenic pressures and newly emerging diseases. After completing her master’s, Grace plans to work for the National Park Service’s Vector-Borne Disease Project or Wildlife Health Branch.
Andrea Swei, Ph.D., PI, San Francisco State University
Research in the Swei lab employs interdisciplinary approaches to understand the factors that determine the distribution and prevalence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Swei’s research focuses on several different tick-borne disease systems such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, and Borrelia miyamotoi and employ ecological theory to examine the role of disturbance, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity on tick-borne disease ecology and public health risk.
UPDATED - Support CDC's development of new tick surveillance tools!
The Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is partnering with various national and international universities and public health agencies to develop a robust, protein-based platform for identification and characterization of tick species of medical and veterinary importance, with applications for surveillance and scientific activities in the United States and other countries in the Western Hemisphere. Thanks to all who have provided ticks so far! We are currently seeking additional collaborators to provide recently collected (2018 - present), field-caught specimens of Amblyomma americanum,Amblyomma maculatum, Dermacentor variabilis,Dermacentor andersoni, Dermacentor occidentalis, and Ixodes scapularis. We are requesting samples of all feeding life stages of these species from various US locations for subsequent analysis by MALDI-TOF.
Desired specimens should be preserved in 70-95% ethanol and stored at room temperature since the time of collection. Ideally, at least 10 specimens from each geographical location are requested.
If you have questions or can assist with this project please contact Maria Galletti (myu8@cdc.gov), Joy Hecht (ynw5@cdc.gov) or Chris Paddock (cdp9@cdc.gov) for more information.
The Virtual Vector Biology Seminar Series (V) is back with another exciting line-up of speakers starting on August 27th! There is a great list of speakers from different career stages covering topics related to ticks, mosquitoes, fleas and culicoides. All talks will be on Fridays from August 27 to November 19, 2021 at 11:30 AM EST (8:30 AM PDT). View 2021 Virtual Vector Biology Seminar Series (V) Flyer.
Zoonoses & One Health Updates (ZOHU) Calls are one-hour monthly webinars that provide timely education on zoonotic and infectious diseases, One Health, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, vector-borne diseases, recent outbreaks, and related health threats at the animal-human-environment interface.
Free Continuing Educationfor a variety of public health, animal health, and human health professionals. Participants can earn CME, CNE, CEU, CECH, CPH and AAVSB/RACE. Each call is recorded and available online for those unable to attend live sessions.
Contact us if you have questions or suggestions for future topics.
Subscribe to the monthly ZOHU Call News and Updates email newsletter.
2021 Tick Academy
Join the Tick IPM Working Group for the second annual Tick Academy! The Tick Academy is for researchers, educators, students, public health professionals, pest control professionals, public-space managers and citizen scientists interested in learning more about what they can do to stop the spread of ticks and tickborne diseases in their communities. Virtual event is scheduled for September 13-15, 2021 (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT).
Learn to develop an effective vector surveillance program, collect data, and communicate risk with the Cornell Entomology Department and eCornell in the newest online course Vector-Borne Diseases Surveillance. Take this 3-week instructor-led course with Dr. Laura Harrington and learn best practices to implement vector surveillance, data, and reporting methods. The next offering of the course is scheduled to begin in October 2021.
The CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases has developed an online tick training course, now available! This course is an introduction to ticks, tick-borne diseases, and tick control for employees in the urban pest management industry, public health entomologists, and anyone interested in learning more about ticks. This self-paced course is eligibile for 2 FDACS CEUs. Learn more and enroll for free!
Web-based Global Directory of Medical Entomology Courses
TDR has supported the development of a Global Atlas of Medical Entomology Schooling (GAMES), which lists a total of 126 medical entomology courses offered both on-campus and through distance learning in 32 countries across all WHO regions, covering seven languages. The freely available directory was developed in collaboration with the GVH and ARCTEC at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), following the mapping of courses available globally. WHO’s Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and the WHO Global Malaria Programme have also reviewed the directory and provided recommendations. For each course, session dates, course outline, fees, language of instruction and responsible managers are listed. REGISTERLEARN MORE
The Border Tick and Rickettsia Surveillance (BiTeRS) program of the Pacific Southwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (PacVec)offers services to enhance surveillance for ticks and tick-borne pathogens of human health concern in California and Arizona. This is made possible through our project leaders at the University of California, Davis and the University of Arizona, and collaborating local and state agencies, including the California Department of Public Health and the Arizona Department of Health Services.
We work with partner organizations to:
Perform surveillance for ticks and tick-borne diseases in their area
Learn about risks of tick-borne diseases in their area by testing ticks for pathogens/diseases
Collect and submit ticks for identification and testing
Rapidly report results of tick identification and pathogen testing to submitting partners
Provide training on ticks and tick-borne disease
We help every step of the way, and shipping and testing are FREE. Collection supplies and protocols are provided, and partners receive all results on ticks they have submitted.
Partner organizations may be:
Government entities (local, tribal, county, or other)
Workplaces with tick exposure
Animal control, humane, or veterinary organizations
Pest control services
Other businesses or groups near the southern border with potential tick exposure
In California, please contact Janet Foley and Laura Backus atcalticks@pacvec.usor call (530) 754-9740. In Arizona, contact Dawn Gouge and Lucy Li at azticks@pacvec.usor call (602) 418-5202. Stay Safe!
New CDC website for the Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases
The CDC Division of Vector-Borne Diseases launched a new website highlighting the five Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (CoE). This website is a central location where you can learn more about the mission, key issues, and impact of each of the CoE programs. Visit the CoE website today!
If you have mosquito (Aedes or Culex) samples to be tested for insecticide resistance, PacVec is providing testing and training services at no charge, and all results will be returned to you. Dr. Anton Cornel's laboratory is leading this activity and organizing various regional training workshops on bottle bioassay testing. If you are interested, please contact us right away at bioassays@pacvec.usto arrange for shipment and timing of the testing.
Current situation with PacVec resistance testing
Dr. Anton Cornel and Katherine Brisco are both working at the lab full time now and are starting up their resistance testing for the season (both bottle bioassays and field trials). However, due to traveling for field trials and training workshops, testing will be conducted by prior arrangement on a first-come first-served basis.
Videos on larval mosquito resistance testing
In collaboration with partners at the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California, PacVec CoE has produced new training videos providing an overview of resistance testing for larval mosquitoes. The videos discuss the rationale for monitoring resistance in mosquitoes, an overview of dose responses and how the dose response changes as resistance to larvicides evolves in a mosquito population, the different types of larval mosquito control agents, the supplies needed for carrying out bioassays, bioassay set-up and making stock solutions of control agents, and interpreting the bioassay results. See the videos and related materials at https://pacvec.us/larval-mosquito-resistance-testing-video/.
Vector Control and Public Health Agencies Need Summer Interns for 2021, or Just Help Advertising Positions for Students?
Please contact us anytime if your agency has seasonal positions that may be of interest to undergraduate students in the Pacific Southwest region. Such positions are important formative experiences for students, and they are excellent opportunities to raise awareness of career opportunities in vector-borne diseases. These can be simple job postings that we will advertise to our undergraduates or we can help you partner with faculty for project-based internships that involve academic credit with a faculty mentor and possible continued data analysis during the school year. If you are interested, please send us a note at training@pacvec.us. To maximize your audience and reach the best candidates for your positions, please send us these position announcements as early as possible, ideally in January or February, before students have settled their summer plans.
The Program in Public Health at the University of California-Irvine seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to study population genetics and genomics of mosquitoes or malaria parasites in the laboratory of Dr. Guiyun Yan (https://sites.uci.edu/yanlab/). Areas of particular interests include population genetics and genomics, bioinformatics, and genomic epidemiology. This is a multi-year funded position, contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of project funding. Interested applicant should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of past accomplishment and contact information of at least 3 references by email to: guiyuny@uci.edu.
One postdoctoral position is available for a highly motivated individual to study mosquito – pathogen - host interactions using state-of-the-art approaches, combining infection assays,genetics, interaction and field studies. The postdoctoral scientist will have considerable freedom to develop related research projects according to his/her interests. Expertise and aptitude in at least some of the following areas is essential: molecular biology, entomology, animal handling, virology, genetics, immunology and field work. The Vasilakis Lab [Nikos Vasilakis Lab | Create-NEO | Sealy Center for Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases] is affiliated to the Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch. The department have state-of-the-art biocontainment and insectary facilities and comprise an excellent group of faculty with a broad range of interests and expertise in vector-borne infectious diseases. The department and institution provide an excellent environment for biomedical career development. Please address inquires and applications (letter of personal and academic goals, CV, and contact information for two references) to Nikos Vasilakis (nivasila@utmb.edu).
A postdoctoral position is available in Gabriel Hamer’s Lab (http://hamerlab.tamu.edu) in the Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University. The successful candidate will contribute to one or more research projects funded by multiple federal sponsors, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense, and the National Institutes of Health. Lab projects include the evaluation of mosquito and tick control interventions, triatomine vector biology and control, mosquito and triatomine transmission experiments, and high containment research on SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. Review of applications will begin immediately and the positions will remain open until filled. The expected start date is flexible. Applications should include a CV, statement of research interests, the names of three references and be e-mailed as a single PDF to: ghamer@tamu.edu
The Thangamani Lab is looking to hire an organized, detail-oriented, and motivated individual. The ideal candidate will use molecular, immunological and imaging methods to investigate the biology of arbovirus transmission at the vector-host-virus interface. Individual with demonstrated experience in viral immunology and imaging is preferred. Enthusiastic individual should also have: (1) Strong interest in our lab research [https://thangamani-lab.com/research-projects], (2) Willingness to work with BSL-3 agents within BSL-3/ABSL-3/ACL-3 laboratories, (3) Possess strong verbal/written communication & organizational skills
The Vazquez-Prokopec Lab at Emory University seek an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher whose broad interests focus on medical entomology, vector ecology and control. This position will be supported by a NIH-funded project (U01AI148069) occurring in the city of Merida (Mexico) evaluating the epidemiologic impact of targeted indoor residual spraying on Aedes-borne viruses. More specifically, this post-doctoral opportunity will center on the study of the evolution of resistance to control interventions in Aedes aegypti. To apply, submit a single PDF to Dr. Vazquez-Prokopec at gmvazqu@emory.edu including: a) an updated CV; b) two relevant publications published by you; c) names and contact information of three references. The start date is negotiable, with a target of September 1, 2021. Full position details available here.
Location: Atlanta, GA Application due: Open until filled
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Urban Pest Management
The Urban Entomology lab at Department of Entomology, Rutgers University has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position starting in January 2021. Primary responsibility is to conduct applied research in urban pest management. Current projects include house mouse and cockroach management research in apartment buildings. The secondary responsibility is to collaborate with the pest control industry to design, execute, and summarize bioassays. Requires a PhD in area of Entomology or closely related field. Visit the page of Dr. Changlu Wangto learn more about this position and how to apply.
The Aliota laboratory at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary medicine is seeking a postdoc to help lead multidisciplinary projects in arbovirus evolution, transmission, and pathogenesis. The candidate for this position may work on projects that are mosquito-centric, vertebrate-centric, virus-centric, or a mix of all three. The position is available as early as May 2021 and will be for a minimum of 2 years. The projects will include one or more of the following: (1) the impact of pre-existing immunity to dengue virus on Zika virus pathogenesis in pregnant nonhuman primates, (2) the molecular evolution of Zika virus during host switching, (3) antiviral signaling at the maternal-fetal interface, or (4) other interesting projects that may emerge.
Email your CV, 1 page cover letter (that includes an outline of the research projects/interests you may like to develop or bring to the lab), 1 writing sample (paper or grant), and the contact info for 3 references; or questions to mtaliota@umn.edu.
Location: Minneapolis, MN Application due: Open until filled (start date is anytime between May and December 2021)
The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is requesting research proposals. This funding opportunity is aimed at improving their Integrated Vector Management Program targeting mosquitoes, red imported fire ants, and flies in the Coachella Valley. Past research projects have included attractive sugar baits, vegetation management in wetlands, biological control of fire ants, and activity of house flies. Because of the unique environment including very high temperatures and low precipitation, projects designed to work with the environmental conditions for surveillance of vectors and vector-borne diseases and projects that tailor control methods to the habitat here are of great interest. Visit their website for guidelines on proposal submission interests of the District, and a budget worksheet (you can obtain these at https://www.cvmosquito.org/about-us/pages/rfps under Research Program FY 2021-2022).
Proposal Due: 09/01/2021 (Proposals will be reviewed in October)
Participant will investigate tick species presence, distribution and density at up to 8 Air Force Bases (TBD) in the United States. Activities will include: environmental tick surveillance (e.g. flagging, dragging); removal of ectoparasites from euthanized/nuisance killed wildlife; sampling of ticks and other ectoparasites from birds; identification of tick samples to genus and species; extraction of nucleic acids to prepare samples for PCR and sequencing analysis; detection of tick-borne disease agents in samples; PCR species ID, or genetic sequencing of samples (only as needed); analyze nucleotide sequence data to confirm species identification or to reveal phylogenetic relationships (only as needed); perform a comparative tick sampling study at the host location, using two different dry ice traps and two different tick drags.
Yearly Stipend: $50,000.00 to $60,000.00 (depends on education, qualifications, and experience) Start Date: September 2021 (desired, but open to negotiation)
Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis until the opportunity is filled.
Extra Help Vector Control Technician San Gabriel MVCD
This is a temporary, at-will and non-benefited position. This assignment is expected to last for approximately three months (August – October) and will work a 9/80 schedule.
Salary: $15.14 - $18.93 per hour Location: West Covina, CA Application due: 8/22/2021
Under the direction and supervision of the Scientific Program Manager of the Alameda County Vector Control District, the Vector Ecologist conducts surveillance and control of vectors and vector-borne diseases; identifies vectors and habitat conditions that support those vectors; provides technical assistance and guidance for Vector Control Biologists; assists Scientific Program Manager in researching and conducting molecular/scientific testing methods for detecting pathogens and vector pesticides resistance of invertebrate vectors and vertebrate host animals.
Salary: $92,497.60 - $112,424.00 per year Location: Alameda, CA Application due: 9/3/2021 at 5:00 PM PDT
Under the supervision and the direction of the Chief, Environmental Health, of the Alameda County Vector Control Services District, the Scientific Program Manager, plans, implements, directs and administers the District’s disease surveillance and control programs and the operations of the Department of Environmental Health Vector Control Laboratory. The Scientific Program Manager also assists in planning and implementing special surveillance and research projects related to vectors and vector-borne diseases.
Salary: $101,732.80 - $123,676.80 per year Location: Alameda, CA Application due: 9/3/2021 at 5:00 PM PDT
Under direction of the Chief, Vector Control Services District, the Vector Control Manager provides supervision and guidance for the Supervising Vector Control Biologists and Senior Vector Control Biologists and Vector Control Biologists for the County Vector Control Services District; assists the Chief in the overall administration of the District; assists in managing and developing all vector control programs; provides technical expertise in the field of vector control and vector-borne disease and surveillance; consults with staff on policy and current pest management practices, and environmental related matters; performs other duties as required.
Salary: $94,806.40 - $112,715.20 per year Location: Alameda, CA Application due: 8/16/2021 at 5:00 PM PDT
The incumbent is a Supervisory Research Entomologist and Research Leader for the Pest Management and Biological Control Research Unit of the U.S. Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center (ALARC), Maricopa, AZ. As a Research Leader, the incumbent's research assignment involves development of integrated pest management systems for efficient and environmentally compatible control of insect pests of arid-land crops leading to increased sustainability and profitability of the agricultural industry.
Salary: $112,801.00 to $172,490.00 per year Location: Maricopa, AZ Application due: 9/8/2021
The Harris County Public Health Mosquito and Vector Control Division is seeking applications for this position. Under the supervision of the Health Education Specialist, the Health Educator is responsible for assisting in the implementation of education, training, and community outreach programs of Harris County Public Health (HCPH) Mosquito & Vector Control (MVC) Division.
Salary: Depends on qualifications Location: Houston, TX Application due: 9/4/2021 at 11:59 PM CDT
Under direction (Assistant Vector Ecologist) or direction (Vector Ecologist), performs professional biological, ornithological, mammalogical, and entomological work related to the surveillance and control of vertebrate and invertebrate vectors which impact public health; plans, organizes and administers assigned vector control and related disease detection/management programs; serves as a technical advisor to District staff and the public in assigned program areas; designs, participates in and monitors research projects; and performs related work as required.
Salary: $76,564.80 - $95,118.40 per year Location: Garden Grove, CA Application due: Open until filled (first application review will be 8/4/2021)
Under general supervision (Assistant Biologist) or direction (Biologist), performs professional biological, environmental management/regulatory and fisheries service’s work related to the surveillance and control of vertebrate and invertebrate vectors which impact public health; plans, organizes and administers assigned biological, environmental management/regulatory, fisheries/biological control programs; serves as a technical advisor to District staff and the public in assigned program areas; designs, participates in and monitors research projects; and performs related work as required.
Salary: $76,564.80 - $95,118.40 per year Location: Garden Grove, CA Application due: Open until filled (first application review will be 8/4/2021)
The CDC Arctic Investigations Program is recruiting a senior epidemiologist (MD, DO, DVM, PhD) for the Epidemiology Team in Anchorage, Alaska. This solicitation is for civil service personnel in job series 601 or 602 at grades 13, or Commissioned Corps Officers at the O-4, O-5, or O-6 levels. The Arctic Investigations Program’s mission is to prevent morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, with special focus on diseases of high incidence and concern among indigenous peoples. For information, please contact: Marc Fischer at mfischer@cdc.gov or 907-729-3427. To apply, send a statement of interest and current curriculum vitae to mfischer@cdc.gov.
San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District is seeking applications to fill this position, Operations Director. Under the general direction of the District Manager, the Operations Director is responsible for the management of the Operations Department and its staff. In addition, the Operations Director is an integral member of District management team that assists the District Manager in planning, organizing, directing and evaluating the District’s programs. The Operations Director plans, organizes and directs the District’s Operations program.
Salary: $112,965.00 - $153,265.00 per year Location: Burlingame, CA Application due: 08/27/2021
Under the direction of the General Manager, provides leadership, plans, organizes, and directs operational programs and facilities. Supervises and coordinates the activities of the Operations Department, demonstrates a full understanding, and ensures compliance with federal and state laws, county, and city ordinances, District policies, and procedures, as well as represented employees’ Memorandum of Understanding. Coordinates assigned activities with other departments, outside agencies, and vendors, supervises and coordinates the maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds, and equipment, and other duties as required.
Salary: $7,956.00 - $10,662.00 per month Location: Concord, CA Application due: Open until filled
The Kings Mosquito Abatement District is accepting applications for the Area Supervisor position. Under direction, the Area Supervisor is to perform inspections and control operations in an assigned area or specialized function of a mosquito abatement agency and to do related work as required. Some knowledge of mechanics, general problems and techniques of vector control, including the use of pesticides and safety precautions; ability to work independently and responsibly; to organize and conduct assigned vector abatement field operations, to make accurate observations and to keep detailed records; ability to work cooperatively and effectively with other employees and the public; and to evaluate situations accurately, and to maintain and appreciate safety precautions. Applications and resumes may be sent via email to office@kingsmosqutio.net, or by mail at the following address: 13960 Power Way, Hanford, Ca 93230. Please contact the District for additional details at (559) 584-3326.
The Natural Resources and Land Management (NRLM) Division within the Water Enterprise of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is hiring for two Senior Integrated Pest Management Specialists for their Sunol and Burlingame work locations. Under direction, the Senior Integrated Pest Management Specialist is responsible for the assignment and supervision of a crew of integrated pest management specialists engaged in the inspection trees, shrubs, grass, rights of way (roads, flood control channels, transportation corridors, lots, landscaping and easements, etc.), bodies of water and structures for evidence of various pests and related damage, and taking appropriate steps to resolve problems.
Salary: $85,150.00 - $103,506.00 per year Location: San Francisco, CA Application due: Continuous
Under general direction of the Manager or his/her designee, the Geographic Information System (GIS) / Information Technology (IT) Coordinator is responsible for the development, coordination and maintenance of the District’s Geographical Information Systems and the District’s hardware and software systems. Interested individuals should submit a cover letter and a complete and current resume/CV that includes three verifiable references. Those invited to be interviewed will be required to complete a District employment application form.
Salary: $65,930.00 - $79,725.00 per year Location: Stockton, CA Application due: Open until filled
LEAT is currently seeking an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Visual Observer (VO) and loader to support ground and flight operations of an unmanned aircraft for aerial applications and imagery. As part of the operations, you will be responsible for all tasks associated with performing the Visual Observer duties and loading of the UAS. This position has a potential for advancement opportunities to become a UAS Remote Pilot-In-Command (RPIC). Direct supervision will be under the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC). Weekend work may be required occasionally.
Salary: $13.00 to $15.00 per hour Location: Sacramento, CA Application due: Open until filled
Under the general direction of the Assistant Manager and direct supervision of the Field or Fisheries Supervisor, this position performs inspections and control operations or other related or specialized services in an assigned crew within the Control Operations department for the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Salary: starting at $4,162.00 per month Location: Elk Grove, CA Application due: Continuous
Under the supervision of a Program Supervisor, the Vector Control Technician performs inspections and control operations for mosquitoes and other vectors, provides assistance and support to Vector Control personnel, provides oversight of Vector Control Aides (VCAs), and does related work and supportive services as required. The Vector Control Technician I is responsible for tasks associated with Integrated Pest Management within the county related to mosquito and vector control. Responsibilities include the application of comprehensive vector control measures with major emphasis on activities designed to inspect for and/or progressively reduce the vector population within an assigned area, or to assist the public with related vector problems. The Vector Control Technician I needs to be, with training, proficient and capable in accomplishing duties in a District vector program.
Salary: $5,955.00 - $6,566.00 per month Location: Concord, CA Application due: Open until filled
Napa County Mosquito Abatement District is currently seeking applicants to fill this position. Under general supervision, performs work including inspections and vector control operations including mosquitoes, yellowjackets, rats, mice and other vector and/or nuisance organisms, vegetation management, and other related work and supportive services as required.
Salary: $4,031.00 - $6,103.00 per month Location: American Canyon, CA Application due: Open until filled
The Beach Mosquito Control District is currently seeking applications to fill this position. The Entomology Assistant assists with all aspects of arthropod vector surveillance and reports data. Determines efficacy and efficiency of insecticides. Applies pesticides, as needed, for mosquito control activities utilizing available application techniques/equipment. Work is performed under the supervision of the Entomologist and the Director.
Salary: $17.14 - $28.31 per hour Location: Panama City Beach, FL Application due: Open until filled
Multiple Faculty Positions in Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for multiple research-intensive tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in emerging and re-emerging viruses that expand and build upon our programmatic strengths, expertise, assets and impact. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to virus-host interactions, animal models, ecology, immunology, genetics and evolution, structural biology, and zoonotic transmission. Successful candidates will join a highly interactive virology and infectious disease research community on campus that is an integral part of the university’s Infectious Disease Institute, including the Center for Retrovirus Research, Center of Microbiome Science, and a newly NIH-funded center, STOP-COVID. These positions are part of the university’s new initiatives on research for academic excellence. Application materials should be submitted to Casey Hofmann. Inquiries may be directed to the chair of the search committee,Dr. Shan-Lu Liu.
Location: Columbus, OH Application due: Review of applications will begin 06/01/2021 and continue until positions are filled
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Chen TY, Vorsino AE, Kosinski KJ, Romero-Weaver A, Chiu JC, Lee Y et al. A magnetic-bead-based mosquito DNA extraction protocol for next-generation sequencing. JoVE. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3791/62354
Salkeld DJ, Lagana DM, Wachara J, Porter WT, Nieto NC. Examining prevalence and diversity of tick-borne pathogens in questing Ixodes pacificus ticks in California. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.00319-21
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Even after decades of control interventions, mosquito-borne diseases still pose 
Dr. Benjamin Cull (
TDR has supported the development of a Global Atlas of Medical Entomology Schooling (GAMES), which lists a total of 126 medical entomology courses offered both on-campus and through distance learning in 32 countries across all WHO regions, covering seven languages. The freely available directory was developed in collaboration with the GVH and ARCTEC at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), following the mapping of courses available globally. WHO’s Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and the WHO Global Malaria Programme have also reviewed the directory and provided recommendations. For each course, session dates, course outline, fees, language of instruction and responsible managers are listed. 
Please contact us anytime if your agency has seasonal positions that may be of interest to undergraduate students in the Pacific Southwest region. Such positions are important formative experiences for students, and they are excellent opportunities to raise awareness of career opportunities in vector-borne diseases. These can be simple job postings that we will advertise to our undergraduates or we can help you partner with faculty for project-based internships that involve academic credit with a faculty mentor and possible continued data analysis during the school year. If you are interested, please send us a note at 
