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NEVBD Announcements

19 November 2021
NEVBD Program Updates
Vector-Borne Disease News
NEW: Employment Opportunities
NEW: Training Opportunities

NEVBD Program News & Updates

Community Programming

NEVBD Applied Research Infographics

This week's feature: Multiple Blood Meals Boost Mosquitoes' Disease Transmission Potential. When a mosquito bites a human or other animal to feed, it is called taking a bloodmeal. Humans can become infected with mosquito-borne viruses when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. This infographic summarizes results of a NEVBD-supported project investigating how taking multiple bloodmeals in a row affects a mosquito's ability to transmit a disease.

Upcoming Vector Control Association Meetings in the Northeast

Annual conference season is almost upon us! We are sharing registration details and call for papers announcements for several vector control associations in the northeast.
  • Northeastern Mosquito Control Association Annual Meeting, December 6-8, 2021, virtual. Call for presentations and pre-registration now open.
  • Virginia Mosquito Control Association Annual Conference, January 25-27, 2022, Newport News. Registration for in-person and virtual now open.
  • 47th Annual Conference of the Mid-Atlantic Mosquito Control Association, February 8-10, 2022. More details soon.
  • 109th New Jersey Mosquito Control Association Annual Meeting, March 16-18, 2022, Atlantic City. Call for papers now open.

Research & Collaborations

NEVBD Publications

Special Collection: Forum Articles on Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus 

The Journal of Medical Entomology is pleased to publish a special collection on eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), a mosquito-borne virus that causes a rare, but highly lethal, illness in humans and horses. The virus is a growing public health threat in the United States. The papers featured in this collection address the history of EEEV, viral infections found in various areas of the United States, taxonomy and genomics, vaccine development, and more. This collection features articles from several members of NEVBD as well as scientists from other Centers of Excellence and CDC.

All the papers in the collection are freely available to read and download.


You can access publications from NEVBD-supported applied research by visiting the newly updated Research and Publications pages on our website!
 

Collaboration Opportunities

Special Issues in the Journal Insects

Two special issues are currently accepting manuscript submissions in the journal Insects. Dr. Kirby Stafford, Dr. Scott Williams, and Dr. Megan Linske are guest editors for a special issue highlighting key issues related to ticks, including knowledge gaps on tick distribution, ecology, human exposure risk factors, and best practices for management and control. The deadline to submit a manuscript for this special issue is March 20, 2022. Dr. Benjamin Cull and Dr. Emma Gillingham are guest editors for a special issue highlighting the application of citizen science in vector surveillance. Manuscripts for this special issue should be submitted by March 31, 2022.

Special Issue: Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases: Persistent and Emerging Threats to Human Health

Guest editors Dr. Tammi Johnson and Dr. Adela Oliva Chavez are supporting a special issue in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlighting research that sheds light on  tick and pathogen distribution, epidemiology, disease pathogenesis, vector biology, alternatives for disease prevention, integrated tick management, and the role of wildlife hosts in maintaining urban and enzootic disease cycles. Manuscripts for this special issue should be submitted by January 31, 2022.

Support for CDC Tick Surveillance Activities

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 & 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 thus far!

The Branch is currently seeking additional collaborators to provide recently-collected (2018 to present), field-caught specimens of all feeding life stages of: Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma maculatum, Dermacentor variabilis, Dermacentor andersoni, Dermacentor occidentalis, and Ixodes scapularis. 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 in the US 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.

Vector-Borne Disease in the News

Public Health Thank-You Day is Monday November 22, 2021!

In recognition of Public Health Thank-You Day, on Monday, Nov. 22, NACCHO has developed a social media toolkit for local health departments, their partners, stakeholders, and other individual public health advocates to help spread awareness and say “Thank You” to public health personnel! The toolkit includes hashtags, accounts to tag, graphics, and social media messages to share. We hope your organizations will join in recognizing and celebrating everything local health officials have done for us, our communities, and our families throughout this pandemic and our lives.

AMCA Publishes Best Practices for Mosquito Management Manual

The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) published an update to their Best Practices for Integrated Mosquito Management manual that includes new information on managing Culex species and reducing arbovirus transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded the update to help AMCA create publicly available resources dedicated to addressing the growing threat posed by vector-borne disease and train the nation’s vector control workforce. Read the full press release.

Entomological Society of America's New and Improved Career Center

The updated Entomological Society of America (ESA) job board now offers interactive and easy-to-use resources for online entomology employment connections. Visit https://careers.entsoc.org/ today!
Download the TickApp Today!
The TickApp provides resources on tick identification, safety tips, and updates on tick activity in your area. 
CDC Updated Tickborne Disease Continuing Education
CDC updated clinical continuing education materials on tickborne diseases in October 2021. 
Novel Lyme Vaccine Shows Promise
Yale University researchers have developed a novel vaccine that offers protection against the Lyme disease bacterium in guinea pigs

Employment Opportunities in VBD

Public Sector Opportunities

NEW: Field Biologist, Prince William County VA

The Prince William County Department of Public Works, Environmental Services Division, Mosquito and Forest Pest Management Branch is seeking a Field Biologist to join our team. The Field Biologist will perform field work in support of managing mosquito, gypsy moth, fall cankerworm, and other forest pest populations by performing by surveillance and suppression activities of these pests.  In addition, this position will perform a variety of other duties to include public education and outreach, equipment maintenance, inventory, and pest identification. Applications due November 24, 2021.

NEW: Mosquito Control Entomologist, Charleston SC

Charleston County Public Works Department is looking for a highly motivated, qualified individual to join our team as a Mosquito Control Entomologist. We provide comprehensive services for the entire County ( 1,353 square miles) using several diverse methods including aerial and ground surveillance and abatement via helicopter and truck mounted spray vehicles, as well as public education and awareness. Minimum requirements Bachelor's Degree in Biology or Public Health related field preferred, supplemented with one or more years of Mosquito Control or related activities. Applications due January 2, 2022.

Public Education Specialist, Pasco County Mosquito Control District

The position of Public Education Specialist, along with the Public Education and Information Officer, is responsible for carrying out the public outreach and educational programs for the District. Essential duties include assisting to develop, organize, and coordinate public education programs about prevention and control of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases for a variety of audience types. Must have a Bachelor’s degree, preferably with a focus on the biological sciences, education, OR communications. 3 years’ experience working for a mosquito control program could be substitutes in lieu of degree. Learn more.

Academic Opportunities

NEW: Assistant Professor, Risk Assessment & Environmental Protection

The University of Maryland, College Park anticipates filling one Assistant Professor position beginning August 2022. We seek candidates working in areas complementary to pesticide safety and risk assessment, including but not restricted to traditional, organic, and genetically engineered pest controls, their ecological and evolutionary impacts, regulatory issues, human health and socioeconomic effects, or related topics. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous research program, teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, maintain a strong extension program as the State of Maryland’s Pesticide Safety Education Coordinator, and other faculty duties. Applications due December 12, 2022.

Assistant Professor of Entomology - Global Public Health

This is a tenure-track appointment as an Assistant Professor of Entomology with a specialization in global public health. The incumbent faculty member will have primary responsibility for developing a nationally recognized, extramurally funded research program focused on issues of national and global One Health importance in vector-borne disease with an emphasis on new discoveries and methodologies that have the potential for significant positive impacts on the scientific discipline and/or have economic/public health value to end-user groups. This 9-month appointment has job expectations in Research, Teaching and Service with an anticipated 60%, 30% and 10% distribution of effort, respectively. Review of applications will begin 14 January 2022 and continue until the position is filled. Learn more.

Laboratory Research Specialist

Indiana University is seeking applications to fill the following position: laboratory research specialist. This position will assist the Principal Investigator in conducting sponsored research on disease vector mosquitoes. A competitive candidate must be able to work in compliance with established insect rearing and molecular procedures and will be able to identify and resolve research and laboratory problems. The candidate will be responsible for coordinating the maintenance of equipment, data collection, and the oversight of data and specimen processing. Learn more.

Assistant Professor, Vector-Borne Disease, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

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. Ph.D. in Biology, Entomology, or related field, and postdoctoral experience are required. Apply through UTRGV jobs posting FRGV1228 by December 15, 2021. 

Assistant Professor, Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at El Paso

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.). 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. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

University of Idaho Faculty Cluster Hire in Modeling and Data Science

We are pleased to announce a Faculty Cluster Hire in Modeling and Data Science.  The University of Idaho will add up to six faculty at the assistant or associate level. We are looking for 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. For further information or to apply, see https://clusterhire.nkn.uidaho.edu/.

Postdoctoral / Fellowship Opportunities

Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Columbia University Diuk-Wasser Lab

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 NEVBD program. The postdoctoral research scientist will develop predictive models for the presence and abundance of mosquito and tick vectors and their associated pathogens. Areas of emphasis include simulation modeling to identify optimal deployment of individual and integrated tick management approaches currently being investigated in NEVBD, modeling the population dynamics and spatial patterns of spread of mosquito and tick-borne pathogens and ensemble modeling of climate impacts on tick and mosquito-borne diseases. The modeling platforms developed will enhance surveillance and the institutional response capacity for real-time impact on vector-borne disease management. Applicants should have a PhD in ecology, epidemiology, applied mathematics, statistics, climate sciences or a related quantitative field. Applications open until position is filled. 

Postdoctoral Associate, Rutgers University 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. Requires a PhD in relevant area of Entomology, Acarology, Ecology, Immunology, or Veterinary Sciences focusing on ticks, tick biology and/or genome-oriented arthropod research. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience spanning two major disciplines: (1) DNA/RNA extraction, handling, processing, next-generation library preparation and sequencing on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms, associated bioinformatic analyses of sequence data, and (2) basic field techniques for tick collection and surveillance. Interested applicant should apply online at https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/140414.

Postdoctoral Fellow, Virology

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 position includes work in biosafety level (BSL)-2 and BSL-3 laboratories. The position expected to begin as soon as possible but not after January 2022. Learn more

Postdoctoral Opportunity, Diagnostics and Surveillance for Tick-Borne Zoonoses

The One Health Institute at UC Davis is seeking a postdoctoral scholar for the Dr. Bird laboratory. This ongoing project is entering its third-year, and is focused on the vectors, transmission, and ecology of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) across two distinct ecological zones in East and West Africa (Tanzania and Sierra Leone). Our overall aim is to more fully understand vector-virus-host interactions, develop ecological risk models, and develop and field-test robust methods to detect and characterize CCHFV derived from field collected tick and livestock specimens. The successful candidate should be prepared to lead laboratory testing and help coordinate field aspects of the project. Travel to Sierra Leone and Tanzania for multi-week field expeditions and to other partner institutions is required (dependent on COVID-19 restrictions). PhD required – preferably with a focus on zoonotic virus surveillance and laboratory detection, tick/vector ecology, virus-host ecology, field epidemiology, or virology. Interested candidates should visit: app.joinhandshake.com/jobs/5146083. Additional details available on LinkedIn

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ivermectin Resistance, Texas A&M AgriLife Research

The laboratory of Veterinary Entomology at the Department of Entomology focuses on the development of new pest management tools for livestock systems. Early detection of resistance to pesticides is a crucial step in the development of such tools. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be responsible for the identification of molecular mechanisms related to ivermectin resistance in the cattle fever tick, including identification of target-site insensitivity and detoxification mechanisms, and development of a diagnostic assay. This project is a partnership with the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and the position is available for one year with potential for renewal should funding be available. Additional information available at Texas A&M Workday position R-040393

Postdoctoral Position, Texas A&M

A postdoctoral position is available in Gabriel Hamer’s Lab in the Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University. The successful candidate will contribute to one or more research projects including 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
Visit NEVBD Careers for More Details!

Training Opportunities in VBD

Upcoming Webinars

NEW: AMCA Webinars of Mosquito Control

AMCA is offering two upcoming webinars on mosquito control topics. Registration fees apply.
  • December 9, 2021 1:00-2:00pm ET - Reducing the Environmental Damage Caused by Mosquito Control Pesticides
  • January 8, 2022 12:00-1:00pm ET - Sterile Insect Technique for Aedes aegypti Control in Florida: A Tale of Two Programs

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 Education for a variety of public health, animal health, and human health professionals. Next ZOHU call is scheduled for 1 December 2021, featuring a presentation of building a comprehensive approach in CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health to address the health effects of climate change.

Climate Change and Emerging Infectious Diseases Seminar Series

The University at Albany and Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health are hosting the next iteration of the Climate Change and Emerging Infectious Diseases Seminar Series. Seminars will be held monthly from October 2021 to March 2022 on a variety of topics related to the impact of climate change on infectious diseases, including vector-borne diseases. Review this flyer for more information on the schedule and access to the Zoom details. Next seminar will be held 20 January 2022.

PacVec Fall Seminar Series 2021

PacVec is holding a virtual fall seminar series from September to December 2021, featuring a great lineup of presentations from their trainees and students. Join the first seminar on September 28 from 3:00-4:00pm ET. Visit their website to see the full line up of speakers and access online registration.

Virtual Vector Biology Seminar Series (V)

The Virtual Vector Biology Seminar Series (V) is back with another exciting line-up of speakers starting on August 27th! Speakers from different career stages will cover topics related to ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and culicoides. All talks are scheduled on Fridays from August 27 to November 19, 2021, at 1pm ET. The full series agenda is available here, and you can register online.

NEW: ESA Launches IPM Certificate Program

Pest management professionals can jumpstart their careers through the Certified Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Technician credential from the Entomological Society of America Certification Corp. Designed for professionals with less than five years’ experience in pest management, the Certified IPM Technician (CIT) credential demonstrates a foundational skillset and commitment to the IPM principles and practices. Applications for the credential are now being accepted by the ESA Certification Corp.

NEW: 2022 Biology of Vector-Borne Diseases Course, UIdaho

The Institute for Health in the Human Ecosystem hosts the annual Biology of Vector-borne Diseases six-day course. The fourth annual Biology of Vector-borne Disease course is scheduled for Monday through Saturday, June 13-18, 2022. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance and invited to register for the course. The course registration fee (USD $1,500) includes housing, meals, course materials and social activities. Learn more.

Biology of Mosquitoes, Ticks, and other Disease-Causing Arthropods - Online Certificate Course

This new online certificate course offered through eCornell explores 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. This course provides an excellent foundation for understanding medical and public health entomology and disease control. Next offering of the course is scheduled to begin 5 January 2022. 

Online Training in Vector Surveillance

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 Dr. Sarah Michaels and learn best practices to implement vector surveillance, data, and reporting methods. The next offering of the course is scheduled to begin 2 February 2022.

Online Tick Training Course

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 today!

Call for Members: Students of Acarology Group, Acarological Society of America

Students of Acarology (SOA) is seeking to expand its membership among undergraduates, post-bacs, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers. The benefits of membership in SOA include student travel and presentation awards, leadership opportunities, research highlights, and networking opportunities. Contact Carrie De Jesus (SOA Liaison) to learn more or join. SOA is supported through the Acarological Society of America

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. For each course, session dates, course outline, fees, language of instruction and responsible managers are listed. 
Further information: https://www.who.int/tdr/news/2020/new-resource-for-building-medical-entomology-capacity/en/
 
To access the directory, please follow this link (we kindly ask you to register on GVH): https://globalvectorhub.lshtm.ac.uk/courses
Visit NEVBD Careers for More Details!
Do you have a news story, job announcement, or other update that we should know about? Please send us a link for inclusion in future newsletters at at nevbd@cornell.edu!
The Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases is supported through Cooperative Agreement Number 1U01CK000509-01 between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Cornell University.

 

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