NEVBD Program News & Updates
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Save the Date! NEVBD Annual Meeting in 2023
We are excited to announce that NEVBD will be hosting our annual meeting in person this upcoming spring! The annual meeting will be hosted at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station campus on Friday April 21, 2023. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for registration details soon!
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Mark Your Calendars for the 2023 Vector Biology Boot Camp!
We are pleased to announce that NEVBD will be holding the in-person training program, Vector Biology Boot Camp, the week of May 15, 2023. We are partnering with colleagues at the Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension to host this 3-day training workshop designed for early-career vector surveillance and control professionals. Applications for the program will open no later than January 2023 and will be available on our NEVBD website.
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Save the Date - Vector Day 2023, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This CDC Division of Vector-Borne Diseases is happy to introduce virtual Vector Day, an exciting spinoff from Vector Week, our bi-annual conference! The Vector Day agenda will include presentations from DVBD staff who will share updates from the past year as well as opportunities to attend 8 interactive breakout sessions covering vector surveillance, communications, tick pathogen testing, and more. Zoom information for this event will be released shortly. Save the date for Tuesday January 25, 2023, from 10am - 3pm Mountain Time.
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American Mosquito Control Association 89th Annual Meeting
This upcoming February 27 - March 3, 2023, the American Mosquito Control Association will be holding its 89th Annual Meeting at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, NV. Registration for this event is now open and the preliminary event agenda is available on the conference website.
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New Jersey Mosquito Control Association 110th Annual Meeting
This March 15-17, 2023, the New Jersey Mosquito Control Association (NJMCA) will be holding its 110th Annual Meeting at the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ. The call for papers and posters is now open, with a deadline of December 9, 2022.
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Northeast Mosquito Control Association 68th Annual Meeting and Scholarship Opportunities
This December 5-7, the Northeast Mosquito Control Association (NMCA) will be holding its 68th Annual Meeting at the Cape Codder in Hyannis, Massachusetts. The final agenda is now available on the NMCA website.
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Research & Collaborations
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Population Genetics of the Invasive Asian Tiger Mosquito in the Northeastern USA
NEVBD collaborators across multiple institutions recently published results of their investigation into the population genetics of Aedes albopictus along the northern edge of this species' overwintering distribution on the US East Coast. They found that founder effects or bottlenecks were rare at the northern range of the Ae. albopictus distribution, with populations displaying high levels of genetic diversity and connectivity along the East Coast. Overall, these results support the presence of established populations of Ae. albopictus in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, successfully overwintering and migrating in large numbers. Given the stability and interconnectedness of these populations, Ae. albopictus has the potential to continue to proliferate and expand its range northward under mean warming conditions of climate change. Read the full article in NeoBiota.
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Natural Diapause Timeline for Culex pipiens Mosquitoes Across the United States
Collaborators from across multiple Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases recently published results of their investigation into diapause induction in Culex pipiens mosquitoes. Authors examined laboratory, semi-field, and mosquito surveillance data for Cx. pipiens populations from multiple US locations to define the approximate timeline and seasonal conditions that contribute to Cx. pipiens diapause across the country. They demonstrated integral roles of temperature, photoperiod, latitude, elevation, and population genetics in shaping diapause incidence for this species across the US. These data can have important implications for mosquito control, where targeted efforts prior to diapause induction can decrease mosquito populations and WNV overwintering to reduce mosquito-borne disease incidence the following season. Read the full report in Communications Biology.
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You can access publications from NEVBD-supported applied research by visiting the Research and Publications pages on our website!
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Collaboration Opportunities
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Insects Special Issue: Research and Advances in Acarology
The continuous expansion of mites and ticks around the globe represents an agricultural and public health challenge. Studying fundamental biological and ecological traits is critical to developing sustainable management strategies in agricultural settings and understanding the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases. This Special Issue on “Research and Advances in Acarology” will consider all original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives on basic and applied research of mites and ticks for publication after rigorous peer review. Guest editors Dr. Julia González and Dr. Alvaro Toledo of Rutgers University Center for Vector Biology.
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Vector-Borne Disease in the News
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Researchers Track Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes Using DNS Barcodes
Researchers from Colorado State University have developed a new method to perform mosquito tracking that avoids issues from conventional mosquito tagging techniques. This new technique involves larval mosquitoes consuming marker particles made of DNA and non-toxic protein crystals. These DNA-marked crystals remain intact in mosquitoes as they develop into adults. These DNA barcodes can then be read, tracking where mosquitoes may have traveled after release. Read results on this work in PNAS Nexus.
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Employment Opportunities in VBD
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Public / Private Sector Opportunities
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NEW: Manager / Entomologist, Moab Mosquito Abatement District, Utah
The Moab Mosquito Abatement District (MMAD) is seeking applications to fill this position. The Manager/Entomologist oversees everything necessary for running the District including mosquito monitoring and control activities carried out by MMAD technicians, and payroll and accounts-payable, which are handled by the Grand County Clerk per inter-local agreement. The fundamental responsibilities of the Manager/Entomologist of the Moab Mosquito Abatement District are to implement the policies and goals of the District as adopted by the Board of Trustees and to administer the procedural, technical, and fiscal requirements for effective mosquito/vector abatement in the District within the scope of and as required by state and federal laws. To apply, please submit a detailed resume, along with contact information for three references that can speak to your work experience and character to Tim Graham, MMAD Board Chairman. Learn more.
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NEW: Manager, Vector Control & Community Health, San Diego County
This position will plan, organize, manage, and provide direction and oversight for all staff, programs, services, and activities of the Community Health Division, including mosquito control and other vector control operational field programs, vector surveillance and technical services, operational support functions, and community health programs. The position will also have the following duties and responsibilities: Assumes leadership responsibility for managing the day-to-day operations of a vector control program and is a direct report to the equivalent of a vector control district general manager; plans, directs, and evaluates vector control program evaluation, priorities and objectives, policies, guidelines, and operating procedures; develops and implements procedures and methods for Integrated Pest Management and Best Management Practices in vector control public service; provides leadership with difficult or complex vector control disease investigations, public relations issues encountered through vector control operations, and resolves issues and identifies solutions. Learn more.
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Biologist, Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District
A position is available at the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District (SLCMAD) for a highly motivated candidate to help oversee mosquito surveillance in the greater Salt Lake City area. The selected candidate will assist in training, management, and material planning of the laboratory and its seasonal staff. Critical tasks include field work to set and retrieve mosquito traps, mosquito sorting and identification, preparing mosquitoes for virus detection, pesticide resistance monitoring, mosquito colony rearing, and collaborating on applied research projects. Projects can include investigating links between pesticide resistance and operational control efficacy, new product/technology evaluations, insect behavioral bioassays, field ecology investigations, and interagency collaborations with other research groups. You will be required to submit both a resume/CV and a completed agency application form. Learn more.
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Manager, Vector Control & Community Health, San Diego
The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health and Quality is currently accepting résumés from qualified individuals for the position of Manager, Vector Control & Community Health. This position assumes leadership responsibility for managing the day-to-day operations of a vector control program; plans, directs, and evaluates vector control program evaluation, priorities and objectives, policies, guidelines, and operating procedures; and develops and implements procedures and methods for Integrated Pest Management and Best Management Practices in vector control public service. To apply, complete the online application, Job Number 22092702UCHD. Learn more.
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Mosquito Control Surveillance Coordinator, Citrus County FL
The Citrus County Mosquito Control District seeks a Mosquito Control Surveillance Coordinator. This position manages the surveillance department in monitoring mosquito populations, arbovirus activity and product effectiveness within Citrus County. Recommended qualifications include Bachelor’s degree in entomology, biology, or other related area of study or extensive experience in a related field of employment, and 3 years of experience in mosquito control with experience in insect identification. Position open until filled. Learn more.
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NEW: Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Biology / School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
We seek applicants who are dedicated to serving The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s diverse student body to support the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program and the PhD in Mathematics and Statistics with Interdisciplinary Applications as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and/or School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year. The successful applicant will work in areas of computational biology, complex system biology, applied biostatistics, bioinformatics, computer modeling/automata theory, ecology or evolutionary biology, deterministic or stochastic modeling, or organizational biology. A Ph.D. in one of the following areas: Biology, Mathematics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, or related field with demonstrated potential for research productivity and extramural funding is required. Learn more.
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NEW: Assistant Professor of Teaching (Preferred Emphasis: Entomology and Animal Biology)
The Department of Entomology and Nematology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis is recruiting an Assistant Professor of Teaching with a preferred emphasis in entomology and animal biology. This is an academic year (9-month), Assistant Professor of Teaching position with potential for security of employment (similar to tenure-track). Participation in outreach programs and performance of University service are also expected. Expertise in entomology or a related discipline is required. The appointee will be expected to carry out high-quality and innovative teaching in subjects supporting the Entomology and Animal Biology majors and consistent with the broad goals of the department. The appointee will be required to teach up to five undergraduate courses per year in departmental undergraduate curricula as assigned by the department chair. Teaching assignments will be based on enrollment, units, scope (classroom, field, laboratory), and needs of the department. Apply by Dec. 31, 2022 for full consideration. Learn more.
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NEW: Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Public Health
The Department of Public Health at the University of California, Merced invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Public Health. The Department’s mission is to promote and protect health in the San Joaquín Valley and the world through our research and the training of the next generation of public health leaders. The Public Health Department has had an approved MSPH and PhD in Public Health since 2017. The next stage in our growth includes the development and implementation of a stand-alone MPH program to meet the public health workforce needs in California’s Central Valley. Our current search is therefore broad, and we seek a colleague with demonstrated excellence in research in any substantive public health area and the skills to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the same. We are specifically interested in scholars with expertise in one or more of the following areas: infectious disease; global health; policy; implementation science; evaluation; and with a quantitative orientation. Final application due 30 June 2023. Learn more.
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Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Biology - Pathogen, University of Texas Rio Grande
We seek applicants who are dedicated to serving The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s diverse student body as an Assistant Professor of Biology beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year (start Sept 1, 2023). The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Biology or a related field and an excellent track record in research that indicates a strong potential for attracting extramural funding. Postdoctoral experience is preferred but not required. The ideal candidate will have a background in pathogen biology, focused on pathogens that are transmitted by insects or other arthropods. Review of applications will begin on November 18, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. Learn more.
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Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Medical Entomology, University of Arizona
The Department of Entomology at the University of Arizona is recruiting a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Medical Entomology. The successful candidate is expected to develop a top-quality, externally funded research program elucidating the biology of arthropods of medical or veterinary importance. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, molecular biology, physiology, ecology, behavior, genomics, modeling, and population genetics. A doctorate in Entomology or a related discipline is required and postdoctoral experience is desirable. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, a commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion, high potential to obtain extramural funding, and a strong publication record. Review of applications will begin 30 November 2022 and continue until position is filled. Learn more.
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Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Medical Entomology, University of Delaware
The Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware seeks to fill a tenure-track faculty position in Vector Biology / Medical Entomology. The position is a 9-month appointment (paid over 12 months) with responsibilities in teaching and research; responsibilities are allocated as 55% research, 40% teaching, and 5% service. Review of applications will begin 1 November 2022 with interviews in early 2023. For more information, contact Dr. Greg Shriver (gshriver@udel.edu), Search Committee Chair, Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware. Learn more.
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Assistant / Associate Professor Vector Biology / Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
The Department of Entomology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison seeks to hire a Vector Biologist or Ecologist with expertise in arthropods that transmit human and/or zoonotic pathogens, serving a leadership role in the Global Health major, and with the desire to participate in, and contribute to, the research and outreach mission of the MCE-VBD. Research areas that would be appropriate for this position are broadly in the area of vector biology, and may include strengths in arthropod/pathogen interactions at multiple scales (molecular/suborganismal, organismal, population, community, and regional scales), innovative strategies for management and control, and the emergence and transmission of vector-borne infectious disease. Research that incorporates a global health or international component is also desirable. Learn more.
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Associate/Assistant Professor of Arthropod Vector Biology and/or Ecology, PennState
The Department of Entomology at Penn State invites applications in the area of Arthropod Vector Biology and/or Ecology for a tenure line, faculty position with a focus on the ecology of vectors and their role in disease transmission. A successful candidate will have expertise that will complement existing University strengths in epidemiology, IPM, chemical ecology, vector biology, genomics, and/or applied evolution/resistance management. This is a 9- month, Tenure Line, 75% Research, 25% Teaching appointment. Learn more.
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Assistant Professor Positions (2) in Vector Disease & Ecology, University of Georgia
The Department of Infectious Diseases in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) at the University of Georgia invite applications for a joint appointment, tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of vector ecology. Two positions are available. Two positions are available. One will be located in Athens, GA in the College of Veterinary Medicine and a second position will be located at the SREL. Areas of research might include, but are not limited to: arbovirus-vector interactions, pathogen and vector responses to climate change or land use, emerging vector-borne diseases, evolutionary strategies for limiting the spread of insecticide and drug resistance in pathogens and vectors, determinants of host shifts within and between ecosystems, behavioral influences of infectious disease dynamics, and terrestrial-aquatic linkages. Candidates should have a strong question-driven research program, which incorporates experimental (i.e., field, lab, molecular) approaches, to address the most challenging problems in one or more of these areas.
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Postdoctoral / Fellowship Opportunities
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NEW: Postdoctoral Researcher, One Health Institute, UC Davis
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 quantitative disease ecology focusing on modeling the effects of climate change on diseases in animal populations. The fellow will focus on activities related to the Wellcome Trust-funded project “Climate-driven models to predict future risk of arenavirus spillover”. The primary responsibilities of the fellow will be related to the development of analytical data pipelines, and disease distribution models. To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to Pranav Pandit. Also, include GitHub profile or other coding portfolios (code shared along with peer-reviewed papers, etc.) if available, to highlight quantitative research you have performed. Learn more.
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PhD Graduate Student Assistantship, Florida Medical Entomology Lab, University of Florida
Cynthia Lord's lab at the University of Flordia is seeking a candidate for a PhD program. The position is available starting in Spring 2023 and the student’s academic department will be Entomology and Nematology. The candidate will work with an interdisciplinary, multi-institution team on ecological interactions in transmission of the Lyme spirochete between ticks and hosts. Qualifications: a degree in Entomology, Ecology, Biology, or related field. Interest in ecology, population dynamics and mathematical modeling. Research experience highly desirable. To apply: please submit a CV, a cover letter, and short statement of research interests to Dr Cynthia Lord (clord@ufl.edu). Please include contact information of at least two references. Review of applications ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. Learn more.
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ORISE Fellowships, Bioinformatics, CDC
Two ORISE Fellowship opportunities are available with the Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch (RZB), Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia. RZB is responsible for investigations into the pathogenesis, distribution, and control of unique obligate intracellular bacteria from the genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Orientia, and Coxiella which are transmitted by infected ticks, fleas, lice, and mites. As part of these efforts, RZB has recently implemented a project to expand and improve tick surveillance in the United States through the development and implementation of advanced molecular techniques for pathogen detection and tick species identification for medically important, human-biting ticks.
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Postdoctoral Associate, Cornell University
The Harrington Lab at Cornell University is seeking a postdoctoral associate to lead efforts in the molecular, proteomic and functional analysis of Ae. aegypti seminal fluid proteins. These efforts include molecular, proteomic and functional analysis of Ae. aegypti seminal fluid proteins. In addition to carrying out research central to this NIH-funded project, and obtaining publishable results, the candidate is expected to take a leadership role in organization of the day-to-day activities of the project and provide some supervision of graduate students and undergraduates. Learn more.
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Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Virus-Vector Interactions
A Postdoctoral Scientist position is available at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station funded through a NIH award investigating arbovirus-mosquito interactions and the impact of multiple mosquito blood meals on vector competence (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-019-0619-y). Individuals are expected to undertake fundamental cellular, molecular and organismal biological studies pertinent to the aims of the project. Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant field (virology, microbiology, or vector biology). Interested persons should submit electronic copies of: (1) a letter of application specifically addressing how the applicant meets the job requirements as listed above, especially experience in the stated fields, and including a statement of career goals, (2) a CV, and (3) contact information for at least three references to Dr. Doug Brackney, Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, P. O. Box 1106, New Haven, CT 06504. doug.brackney@ct.gov. Learn more.
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Vector-Borne Disease Postdoctoral Scholars, MCEVBD, University of Wisconsin-Madison
The Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Disease (MCEVBD) headquartered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is recruiting two postdoctoral scholars to lead CDC-funded projects investigating vector and vector-borne disease management, using statistical models combined with field surveys and observations. The successful candidates will contribute to one or more research projects that include: 1) evaluating currently available methods for reduction of host-seeking blacklegged ticks or West Nile virus vectors, 2) conducting lab, semi-field, and field trials evaluating new products and delivery mechanisms for tick or mosquito control, 3) evaluating impacts of public health education on vector bite prevention. Review of applications will begin immediately and the position start date is flexible. Learn more.
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Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Mosquito Population Genetics, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station + Yale University
A postdoctoral position on mosquito population genetics is available to work in collaboration with Andrea Gloria-Soria at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) and Jeffrey Powell at Yale University, in New Haven, CT (USA). The postdoctoral researcher will lead the effort to characterize the genetic diversity across the ancestral range of Ae. aegypti, address questions of demography and population structure, and identifying putative sources of admixture in the region, using large genomic datasets. Depending on your personal interests and skills, projects on genome evolution, molecular evolution, behavioral genetics and ecological genomics are also possible. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until position filled. Learn more.
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Training Opportunities in VBD
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NEW: 2023 Dodd Fellowships, Southeast Center of Excellence
The Florida Mosquito Control Association's (FMCA) & CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases are pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Dodd Fellowship. Ten fellowships will be awarded to support participation in the FMCA 2023 Dodd Short Courses (in-person) from January 29 to February 2, 2023. Each $1,000 fellowship can be used to cover registration and course fees as well as travel expenses. Application deadline December 9, 2022. Learn more.
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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 18 January 2022. This course is now accredited for 28 contact hours of training with the National Environmental Health Association.
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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 4-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 15 February 2023. This course is now accredited for 28 contact hours of training with the National Environmental Health Association.
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Biology of Vector-Borne Disease Six-Day Course
The University of Idaho Institute for Health in the Human Ecosystem is hosting its annual Biology of Vector-borne Diseases six-day course, Monday through Saturday, June 12-17, 2023, on the UI campus in Moscow, Idaho. This course provides accessible, condensed training and “knowledge networking” for advanced graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, new faculty, and current professionals to ensure competency in basic biology and cutting-edge knowledge for U.S. and global vector-borne diseases of plants, animals, and humans. Applications will be reviewed starting December 1, 2022, and applicants will be notified of their acceptance for the course in spring 2023. Learn more.
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Virtual Seminar Series on Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases
The third year of seminar series on Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases is sponsored by the Coordinating Research on Emerging Arboviral Threats Encompassing the Neotropics (Create-NEO) and the UTMB Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. Seminars will be hosted every second Tuesday of the month starting September 2022. Register for this webinar series here.
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EYE on Yellow Fever Podcast Series, WHO
‘EYE on yellow fever’ is a podcast series highlighting the global risks of yellow fever and how the Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) Strategy is addressing these challenges in the most-affected countries. Experts from different fields of climate change and even outer space explore why and how this disease is in danger of spreading globally and take you inside a concerted global effort to ensure that yellow fever does not become the next big global health threat. The series is available on the WHO website or your preferred podcast app.
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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.
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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!
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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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