West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) activity continues in the Pacific Southwest
California
West Nile virus (WNV) Human Cases Year-to-date: 62 Counties: 17
There were 5 new human cases of WNV confirmed last week in the following counties: Butte, Los Angeles, Placer, and San Diego. A total of 62 human cases of WNV disease have been confirmed in 17 California counties since October 1st, 2021: San Diego, Placer, Kings, Yolo, Madera, Glenn, Solano, Merced, San Joaquin, Tulare, Butte, Los Angeles, Stanislaus, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Kern, Shasta. The California Department of Public Health confirmed the first human death attributed to WNV in 2021 on July 9th. Five WNV-related fatalities have been reported to CDPH this year from 4 jurisdictions: Los Angeles, Butte, Madera, and San Luis Obispo.
Mosquito Samples Year-to-date: 2,191 Counties: 25
More WNV-positive mosquitoes have been detected in California.
St. Louis encephalitis (SLEV)
Human Cases Year-to-date: 1 Counties: 1
California's first human case of St. Louis encephalitis has been reported in Fresno County on September 17, 2021.
Mosquito Samples Year-to-date: 36 Counties: 7 Learn more about SLEV in California.
As of September 25, 2021, 641 positive West Nile Virus (WNV) mosquito pools have been reported across the state of Utah by Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Millard, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, Utah, and Weber counties. The Utah Public Health Laboratory and mosquito abatement laboratories have tested a total of 9097 mosquito pools. Twenty one human cases have been confirmed to date in Davis, Salt Lake, and Weber county, with 16 classified neuro-invasive (76%), and 5 non-neuroinvasive (24%). Fewer than five human deaths have been reported due to West Nile Virus. Twelve horses have tested positive in Salt Lake (1), Box Elder (2), Utah (1) and Weber (8) Counties.
Idaho
A total of 10 human cases of symptomatic WNV infection have been recorded in the following Idaho counties: Ada (2 neuro-invasive and 2 fevers), Adams (1 neuro-invasive), Canyon (2 neuro-invasive), Lemhi (1 neuro-invasive), Owyhee (1 neuro-invasive), and Washington (1 fever). The Central District Health officials have confirmed the first WNV death in Idaho this year. 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.
Manuscript submissions to article collections in Insects:
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 [Learn More]. Deadline for manuscript submissions: March 31, 2022.
Special issue on "Ecology of Ticks and Their Control"
Dr. Kirby C. Stafford III (Kirby.stafford@ct.gov), Dr. Scott Williams (Scott.Williams@ct.gov), and Dr. Megan A. Linske (Megan.Linske@ct.gov) are seeking manuscript submissions to an article collection in Insects[Learn More]. In the United States, tick-associated diseases are increasing, native tick species are expanding their geographic range, and exotic ticks pose an additional human or veterinary health concern. The CDC estimates that there are over 300,000 human cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. each year, along with increasing incidence of other tick-borne diseases. Key issues related to ticks include knowledge gaps related to tick distribution, changing tick ecologies, human exposure or risk factors, and best practices to manage or control exposure to human-biting ticks. This Issue brings together a diverse field of researchers addressing some of these important questions related to tick ecology and control. Deadline for manuscript submissions: December 1, 2021.
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.
Join PacVec for the Fall Seminar Series 2021 - Second Seminar on Tuesday, October 12th!
PacVec is holding a virtual fall seminar series from September to December 2021, featuring a great lineup of speakers. Join us via Zoom for our second seminar on October 12th, 2021 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM PDT!
To be notified about upcoming seminars, please sign up for our mailing list by clicking subscribe. Please distribute this announcement to your membership: [Announcement][Flyer]
Gale Disler (University of Alaska Anchorage) & Renate Schlaht (University of Alaska Fairbanks) "Understanding the role of veterinary personnel in regards to ticks and tick-borne disease in Alaska"
Erin “Taylor” Kelly (University of California, Davis) "Identifying biomarkers of pyrethroid resistance in wild Aedes aegypti from California"
Virtual Vector Biology Seminar Series (V) - Next Seminar on Friday, October 15th
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 12:00 PM EST (9:00 AM PDT). View 2021 Virtual Vector Biology Seminar Series (V) Flyer.
Climate Change: Emerging Infectious Diseases Seminar Program - First Seminar on Thursday, October 21st!
The University of Albany is hosting a virtual seminar series every Thursday of the month at 4pm EST (1pm PDT), starting on Thursday, October 21st, 2021 [Flyer][Schedule].
CDC Zoonoses and One Health Updates (ZOHU Calls)
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.
Online Course: Biology of Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Disease-Causing Arthropods
Interested in learning about the biology & behavior of mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods that affect human health? Enroll in a new certificate course from eCornell! In this certificate course, you will explore the fascinating biology, behaviors, and disease-transmission processes of a range of organisms, with special emphasis on the most important groups, including ticks and mosquitoes. You will also learn about specific diseases associated with these vectors that can be passed on to humans. This course is appropriate for those working in healthcare and vector-borne disease control, those who train and supervise outdoor workers, and students of vector biology who may not have access to other courses on this topic.
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 start on October 13th, 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!
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!
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!
Need bottle bioassay testing?
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.
Dr. Lark Coffey's laboratory at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine is seeking applications to fill this position. The Fellow will work on projects involving mosquito-borne chikungunya virus and SARS-CoV-2. Chikungunya virus studies will involve developing and implementing an assay to define the viral mutation rate. The SARS-CoV-2 projects will involve testing viral variants in humanized mouse models in collaboration with the UC Davis Mouse Biology Program as well as studies to evaluate candidate COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics in mouse and hamster models. The Fellow will also be encouraged to develop related independent projects. The position includes work in biosafety level (BSL)-2 and BSL-3 laboratories. The Fellow should be comfortable working in team environment. The successful Fellow will conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare manuscripts. The Fellow should be able to perform independent research with minimal supervision. Most of the Fellow’s effort will be in person given the necessity of virus work in contained settings. Computer-based work can be conducted off campus, if desired, although an office or desk in the laboratory will be provided.
Salary: Compensation will commensurate with experience according to the University of California pay scale Location: Davis, CA Application due: The position expected to begin as soon as possible but not after January 2022
The Epicenter for Disease Dynamics at the One Health Institute in the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis is seeking a post-doctoral researcher interested in the impacts of environmental change on the epidemiology, ecology and evolution of zoonotic diseases. Activities will focus on a new National Science Foundation Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases project “Impacts of Rapid Landscape Change and Biodiversity on Virus Host Specificity”. Primary responsibilities relate to both theoretical and data-informed modeling of virus evolution and transmission across landscape changes in Southeast Asia. This is a 3-year post-doctoral position, expected to begin January 2022 based at UC Davis with opportunities for collaboration and co-mentorship across the PIs on this project including Christine Kreuder Johnson (UCD), Tierra Smiley Evans (UCD), Lark Coffey (UCD), Michael Boots (UC Berkeley), and Rebekah Kading (CSU).
Postdoctoral Associate, Entomology/Center for Vector Biology
The Price Lab within the Department of Entomology / Center for Vector Biology at Rutgers University seeks to fill an open Postdoctoral Associate position specializing in the evolutionary and molecular biology of ixodid ticks to carry out USDA-NIFA funded research focusing on surveillance of ticks and tick-borne disease, and molecular control mechanisms e.g., anti-tick vaccines. This is a grant-funded position with an initial term of one year with possibility of multiple-year renewal.
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
A postdoctoral position is available in Maria Diuk-Wasser’s lab in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology (E3B), Columbia University, in collaboration with the Columbia International Research Institute for Climate and Society. The applicant will join research projects newly funded by the Department of Defense, NSF and the CDC, and will become part of the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-borne diseases, a collaborative network including faculty from Cornell, Columbia, Fordham and SUNY Universities, the NY State Department of Health and the Center for Vector Biology and Zoonotic Diseases in CT. The postdoctoral research scientist will harness an extensive network of existing and newly acquired surveillance and control datasets to develop predictive models for the presence and abundance of mosquito and tick vectors and their associated pathogens.
Location: New York City, NY Application due: Open until filled
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
A postdoctoral fellow position in mosquito-borne disease epidemiology is available in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics within the School of Public Health at Indiana University - Bloomington. Working under the direct supervision and mentorship of Dr. Marco Ajelli, the focus of the position is to investigate the ecology of mosquito populations vectoring arboviruses and, more broadly, on the epidemiology of mosquito-borne diseases. The postdoctoral fellow will be hired for a one-year position with opportunity for renewal on a yearly basis assuming satisfactory performance. The position includes benefits and compensation is congruent with NIH stipend levels.
Salary: $60,000.00 per year Location: Bloomington, IN Application due:Applications received by 10/1/2021 will received best consideration. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and evaluated via an expedited decision process; the search will remain open until suitable candidates are found. The appointment start date is negotiable on a case-by-case basis and could begin as early as 11/01/2021.
Postdoctoral Positions in Satellite Remote Sensing for Monitoring Global Change
We seek two dedicated and enthusiastic postdoctoral researchers to join our research group: (1) Drought, Fire, and Forest Carbon Dynamics in West Africa and (2) Urban Microclimates and Disease Transmission in India. These positions are in the Ecological and Geospatial Research and Applications in Planetary Health (EcoGRAPH) group in the Department of Geography & Environmental Sustainability at the University of Oklahoma. Our research explores the impacts of changing climate and landscapes on ecosystems and human health. We address these topics through landscape, regional, and global analyses using satellite remote sensing and environmental monitoring data. Major research foci include the effects of environmental change on vector‐borne disease outbreaks and the influences of human land use and wildfires on forest landscape dynamics. We conduct our research in locations throughout the world including North America, West Africa, Ethiopia, and India.
These positions are available as early as September 1, 2021, although a later start date is negotiable, and will remain open until filled. Candidates from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented demographics are encouraged to apply. To apply, please send a letter of interest and a CV to Dr. Mike Wimberly at mcwimberly@ou.edu. Please feel free to send an email first if you have questions about the position.
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)
Applications are now open for 2022-2023 GloCal Fellowships. The GloCal Health Fellowship supports a 12-month, mentored research fellowship for investigators interested in studying diseases and conditions in developing countries. The fellowship is designed for: US doctoral students (PhD, DrPH, etc.), professional students (MD, DDS, DVM, PharmD, etc.) and postdoctoral fellows, as well as foreign postdoctoral fellows from affiliated international sites in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The GloCal Health Fellowship Program includes more than 160 top-tier global health research faculty mentors from the four UC GloCal Consortium campuses (UCSF, UC San Diego, UCLA, UC Davis) and the 21 affiliated international institutions. GloCal program faculty span a variety of disciplines including: anthropology, biology, chemistry, dentistry, economics, bioengineering, ethics, geography, law, medicine, molecular biology, nursing, oceanography, physics, political science, public health, sociology, statistics & biostatistics, and psychology. Fellowships, which begin annually in July, provide: 12 consecutive months of stipend support, research funding ($15,000), travel costs to and from the international field site, support for online courses, and a week-long orientation on the National Institutes of Health campus in Washington, D.C.
Application due: 11/1/2021
CDPH California Epidemiologic Investigation Service (Cal-EIS)
The California Epidemiologic Investigation Service (Cal-EIS) is a one- or two-year training program for health professionals who have at least a master’s degree in a field related to public health. The mission of Cal-EIS is to prepare epidemiologists for public health leadership positions in California. Applicants with an MPH or other advanced degree (e.g., MD/DO/MBBS, DDS, or DVM) in a health- related field and at least one course in epidemiology and one course in biostatistics may apply. Applicants without a degree in a health profession (e.g., MS, PhD) may also be eligible. The degree can be in progress at the time of application but must be completed before beginning the fellowship. The primary selection criteria are demonstrated interest in and ability to perform public health/epidemiology in California. Each Fellow will receive a stipend of approximately $45,000 per year. The application is available online and must be emailed or postmarked by October 30, 2021 for the July 2022 to June 2023 training year. Supplemental documents (CV, statement of purpose, and official transcript(s) must be emailed or postmarked by October 30th. Signed letters of recommendation (3) should be emailed directly to the email address listed below.
Position Location: Fellows are placed in CDPH offices in Sacramento or Richmond or in local health departments throughout California. During COVID, some Fellows have worked virtually while others have been in the office.
Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District is seeking applications to fill this position. Under the direction of the General Manager and Assistant Manager, this position manages, supervises and coordinates the activities and operations of the administration department including financial and human resources functions. Incumbent provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the General Manager.
Salary: $6,670.00 per month Location: Elk Grove, CA Application due: Open until filled
NEW - Vector Control Ecologist - APPLY BY 10/15/2021
Santa Clara County Vector Control District is seeking applications to fill this position. Under general direction, to plan, organize, coordinate and perform professional biological or entomological evaluation and identification in the assigned program areas of surveillance, census and control of vertebrate and invertebrate vectors and vector-borne diseases, and to serve as a technical advisor to staff and the general public.
Salary: $92,990.56 - $112,521.76 per year Location: Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA Application due: 10/15/2021 11:59 PM PDT
2The Collier Mosquito Control District is seeking applications to fill the biologist/research entomologist position. As a biologist or research entomologist at the District, you’ll participate in the design and execution of research studies to inform and improve District operations, manage a range of mosquito surveillance activities (weekly trapping, larval sampling and collection, mosquito identification, disease testing, insecticide resistance testing, etc.) and perform other operational and research tasks as necessary. The job will involve a combination of field and laboratory work, with specific tasks varying by season and project. Summer and fall are our busy seasons, when you’ll perform the bulk of your surveillance activities and field studies. During winter and spring, you’ll have opportunities to present your research at local and national conferences. The majority of your work will occur Monday through Friday from 7:30am-4pm, but occasional nights and weekends may be required. Ideally, you’ll have an MS or PhD in biology, entomology or a related field and experience in (and passion for) mosquito research and control. Salary and job title will be based on skills and experience.
2The Collier Mosquito Control District is seeking applications to fill the research technician/biologist position. As a research technician or biologist at the District, you’ll assist with research studies to inform and improve District operations, perform a range of mosquito surveillance activities (weekly trapping, larval sampling and collection, mosquito identification, disease testing, insecticide resistance testing, etc.) and assist with other operational and research tasks as necessary. The job will involve a combination of field and laboratory work, with specific tasks varying by season and project. Summer and fall are our busy seasons, when you’ll perform the bulk of your surveillance activities and field studies. During winter and spring, you may have opportunities to attend trainings and research conferences.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD) is seeking qualified applicants for a Public Health Advisor position with the Extramural Program Management Team, Office of the Director in Fort Collins, Colorado. The incumbent will join a team that provides technical and programmatic management to DVBD-funded domestic CoAg recipients, including the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Vector-Borne Disease Program and the university-based Vector-Borne Disease Regional Centers of Excellence recipients. The incumbent would work with university, national public health, and private industry partners. We are looking for someone with strong public health program management experience. For additional information, please contact Sue Visser, sfv1@cdc.gov.
Salary: $70,883.00 - $110,452.00 per year Location: Fort Collins, CO Application due: 10/08/2021
The County of Santa Cruz is seeking applications to fill this position. Under direction, perform inspections and vector control operations in the County of Santa Cruz. The ideal candidate likes working outdoors and is skilled and friendly when communicating with the public. It is important that Vector Control Specialists build relationships within the community by forming contacts with other agencies or local stakeholders. Apply online at www.santacruzcountyjobs.com or mail/bring an application and supplemental questionnaire to: Santa Cruz County Personnel Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. For information, call (831) 454-2600. Hearing Impaired TDD/TTY: 711. Applications will meet the final filing date if received: 1) in the Personnel Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date, 2) submitted online before midnight of the final filing date.
Salary: $5,770.00 - $7,299.00 per month Location: Santa Cruz, CA Application due: 10/15/2021
The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District is seeking applications to fill this position. The Human Resources and Risk Manager, a newly created position for the District, is responsible for the development, implementation, administration, and application of employment and labor policies; safety and risk management strategies; and enhancing the District’s culture through the implementation of organizational improvement efforts. Additionally, this position has superintending control over the District’s third party risk contracts.
Salary: $99,768.00 - $133,701.00 per year Location: Concord, CA Application due: Open until filled (first resume review is 10/15/2021)
The Senior Research Entomologist works in a laboratory environment, conducting research to evaluate the efficacy of pest-control interfering RNAs. This role will be integral to our biopesticide discovery and development pipeline by supporting functions from biopesticide discovery through product development. He or she will contribute to the development of exciting new products and to the expansion of the company intellectual property estate. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge and experience in entomology especially as it pertains to crop protection and home and garden pest control. The candidate should have experience conducting laboratory bioassays to characterize the activity of insecticidal compounds. The candidate should have a strong background in developing, troubleshooting and analyzing bioassay data.
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.
Environmental Epidemiology Program Manager (Epidemiologist III)
This job opportunity is being re-announced. Applicants who previously applied for this job do not need to re-apply; all applications will be considered.
The Fairfax County Health Department is the largest public health department in Virginia, serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds throughout Fairfax County, as well as the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church and the towns of Herndon, Vienna and Clifton. With more than 100 years of leadership in the field, we are committed to protecting, promoting and improving the health and quality of life for all in our community.
Salary: The hourly salary rate will not exceed the midpoint of $46.17 Location: Fairfax, VA
The Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District is seeking applications to fill this position. Under the general direction of the District Manager and Assistant Manager and direct supervision of the Regional Supervisor, during the warmer months the Mosquito and Vector Control Specialist (MVCS) performs vector surveillance, performs vector control operations, and provides public education within the District's service area. The MVCS is assigned a geographic zone and/or specialized functions of a vector control agency, and performs work as required. During the cooler months of the year, the MVCS performs annual maintenance of spray equipment/machines, ATVs, vehicles, and facilities; performs personnel and equipment characterization and calibration; performs and assists with special projects; receives annual training and attends continuing education courses.
Salary: $4,149.16 - $5,839.16 per month Location: Oroville, CA Application due: Open until filled
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District is seeking applications to fill this position. Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Manager and general direction of the Manager, this classification has full-scale leadership of laboratory functions and research projects, oversees laboratory staff and technical operations to ensure accurate and consistent surveillance and testing procedures, quality control, safety, and records maintenance for the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Salary: $7,354.00 per month Location: Elk Grove, CA Application due: Continuous
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
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
The University of Idaho seeks to build on our strength in mathematical, statistical, and computational modeling by adding up to six new tenure-track faculty. We will hire outstanding researchers who use diverse modeling skills to address public health challenges along the continuum from pathogen dynamics at the human-wildlife interface, to emerging disease prediction and prevention, to rural health disparities. Hires will be at the assistant or associate professor level, and research pairs or teams are encouraged to apply. This is a cross-institutional initiative with departmental appointments based on the specialty areas of the successful candidates. Although all types of modeling and data science will be considered, we are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in epidemiology, artificial intelligence / machine learning, molecular modeling, data analytics and visualization, mathematical and statistical modeling, and geospatial modeling.
Location: Moscow, ID Application due: Open until filled, but applications received on or before 10/11/2021 will receive first consideration
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is currently searching for a tenure track, assistant professor position for someone who does research in vector borne diseases. The ideal candidate will conduct research areas of surveillance or diagnostics, disease transmission, pathogen/vector/host dynamics, or general virology/microbiology of vector-borne diseases. Strong molecular skills are preferred. The job posting link is below. I would very much appreciate if you could post this advertisement on any job or career boards, and/or disseminate among you center members. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or include my name/email for contact in any of your center members have questions.
The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) seeks to fill a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in infectious diseases. The anticipated starting date is fall 2022. Applicants should possess the ability to develop an extramurally funded research program in infectious diseases and teach and mentor at both the undergraduate and graduate levels (M.S. and Ph.D.). Research resources include state-of-the-art molecular and high-throughput screening core facilities, as well as a BSL-3 laboratory and ABSL3 animal facilities. The current areas of expertise within the department and university include virology, bacteriology, parasitology, immunology, vector borne infections, vaccine development and drug discovery. Our goal is to foster and support research on any area of infectious diseases including the vector/tick-borne diseases of public health importance in the U.S.-Mexico border area. However, we encourage outstanding candidates in all areas of infectious diseases to apply. The successful candidate will have access to our state-of-the-art Border Biomedical Research Center Core Facilities located in the building.
Location: El Paso, TX Application due: Open until filled
Keyel AC, Kilpatrick AM, Holcomb KM, Ward MJ, Barker CM, Smith RL et al. A proposed framework for the development and qualitative evaluation of West Nile virus models and their application to local public health decision-making. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0009653
Unlu I, Faraji A, Indelicato N, McNelly JR. Do tigers hunt during the day? Diel activity of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), in urban and suburban habitats of North America. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0009438
Couper LI, Farner JE, Caldwell JM, Childs ML, Harris MJ, Mordecai EA et al. How will mosquitoes adapt to climate warming? Elife. 2021. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.69630
Roe CC, Urbanz J, Andrews L, Verocai GG, Engelthaler DM, Hepp CM et al. Complete mitochondrial genome of Onchocerca lupi (Nematoda, Onchocercidae). Mitochondrial DNA Part B. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1080/23802359.2021.1960211
Kelly ET, Brisco KK, Cornel AJ, Lanzaro GC, Attardo GM, Lee Y et al. Evidence of local extinction and reintroduction of Aedes aegypti in Exeter California. Front Trop Dis. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2021.703873
Ridenour CL, Roe CC, Henke JA, Raman V, Foster JT, Hepp CM et al. St. Louis encephalitis virus in the Southwestern United States: A phylogeographic case for a multi-variant introduction event. Front Genet. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2021.667895
Bechtel MJ, Drake KK, Esque TC, Nieto NC, Foster JT, Teglas MB. Borreliosis transmission from ticks associated with desert tortoise burrows: Examples of tick-borne relapsing fever in the Mojave Desert. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2021.0005
Wang X, Zhou G, Zhong D, Li Y, Octaviani S, Yan G et al. Impact of underground storm drain systems on larval ecology of Culex and Aedes species in urban environments of Southern California. Sci Rep. 2021.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-92190-3
Metzger ME. A legacy of mosquito control through wetland management: a tribute to William E. Walton and his contributions to science and entomology. Wetlands Ecol Manage. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-021-09813-9
Danforth ME, Fischer M, Snyder RE, Lindsey NP, Martin SW, Kramer VL. Characterizing areas with increased burden of West Nile virus disease in California, 2009–2018. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2021.0014
Why AM, Choe D-H, Walton WE. Identification of chemicals sssociated Gambusia affinis (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae), and their effect on oviposition behavior of Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Laboratory. Journal of Med Ent. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjab078
Interested in viewing more articles from PacVec researchers?
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 
