PhD position: Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Disease Vectors

National Institute for Public Health and the Environment

Place of position: Bilthoven, the Netherlands
Duration of contract: 48 months
Hours per week: 36
Entry level: Master / doctoral

Job description:
Are you ready to unravel the intricate dynamics of ticks and mosquitoes, contributing to groundbreaking research at RIVM? As a PhD candidate in Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, delve into the complexities of vector-borne diseases, bridging scientific curiosity with real-world impact. At RIVM, over 2400 colleagues collaborate daily to contribute to tomorrow’s healthcare. The Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology Center, part of the domain of infectious diseases and vaccinology, aims to analyze and monitor the health of the Netherlands in the field of infectious diseases. In the Animal & Vector department (A&V), approximately 30 colleagues work on detecting and combating zoonoses (diseases of animals that are transmissible to humans). It’s a self-directed, international, and professional team characterized by expertise and respect for each individual’s input and personal values.

Purpose of the Position:
As a result of climate and environmental changes, the risks of diseases transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes are evolving. Due to the fluctuating populations of these vectors, their distribution and risks for humans are challenging to measure. We are seeking a PhD candidate/Researcher who, using the latest DNA techniques, can map the population dynamics and distribution of both ticks and mosquitoes. By combining this information with genetic data of pathogens like the Borrelia bacterium and the West Nile virus, our goal is to better understand the spread and public health risks. This enables us to predict the effects of climate change and adaptation on the occurrence of vector-borne diseases.

Roles and Responsibilities:
You will participate in a 4-year scientific PhD trajectory focusing on the prevalence of ticks, mosquitoes, and their pathogens in various European habitats. The project aims to contribute to the improvement of monitoring emerging vector-borne infections, such as Lyme disease and West Nile fever. Your tasks include collecting ticks and mosquitoes through fieldwork, obtaining information about their pathogens and genetics using the latest DNA techniques in the laboratory. You will conduct various
population-genetic and bioinformatics analyses to make statements about the spread of vector-borne diseases. Presentation of findings at scientific meetings and in articles is part of the role. Collaborating closely with RIVM and Wageningen University (WUR), where the PhD position is located, is essential. Over time, you will independently initiate research and maintain contacts with (international) partners. You will undergo training at WUR to facilitate your Ph.D. completion. You will have the flexibility to determine your workplace, either at RIVM or WUR, with an estimated split of 50/50.

Please click on the following link for more details and application: Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Disease Vectors

Johns Hopkins University: Bloomberg School of Public Health: W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Location:
Baltimore, MD, 21205

Open Date:
Oct 15, 2023

Description

The recently established Lyme and Tickborne Diseases Research and Education Institute (LTBDI) in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health invites applications for a full-time, tenure track research and teaching faculty position. We are seeking a candidate engaged in laboratory-based research on tickborne diseases, including but not limited to research on ticks, including tick-environment interactions, the microbiology of tickborne pathogens (including pathogen biology, genetics, pathogenesis and detection of viruses, bacteria and/or parasites that can affect public health), as well as host defense, including immunology, vaccinology and host genetic and epigenetic impacts on tickborne diseases.

The LTBDI is embedded within the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, which also hosts the Malaria Institute. Over 50 faculty are engaged in the broad range of research on infectious diseases and its impact on public health. Excellent collaboration opportunities exist within the Department and throughout the top ranked Schools of Public Health, Engineering and Medicine. Faculty have access to functional research space and state-of-the-art core facilities, as well as newly constructed ABSL2/3 research space and a “tickery”. Faculty work with a cadre of outstanding trainees, including undergraduate and graduate students attending a variety of departmental-based and interdisciplinary graduate programs. Please visit https://publichealth.jhu.edu/departments/molecular-microbiology-and-immunology

Qualifications

We are seeking to hire at the Assistant Professor level. The individual must hold a doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, MD, DVM), documented post-doctoral research training, including publications in any of the above areas, as well as a desire to advance public health, and a passion for contributing to the educational mission of the LTBDI and the department. Successful candidates will demonstrate a solid record of scholarship, the potential for developing an independent, extramurally-funded research program, and strong skills with which to contribute to advancing the field of tickborne diseases and its teaching. Candidates must be committed to fostering principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout their research, teaching, and mentoring activities. They will also embrace conducting collaborative science including within the LTBDI to support our goals for the institute to become a leader in tickborne diseases research and education and to positively impact public health.

Application Instructions

We will receive applications beginning on October 15,2023 and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applications should be submitted before December 15, 2023. Applications must be submitted using Interfolio http://apply.interfolio.com/133621 and include: Cover letter addressed to David J Sullivan, MD, Chair of Faculty Search Committee, Curriculum Vitae, a 2 page statement outlining research, a half page statement of teaching interests, and names and contact information of three references. In addition, applications should include a statement of demonstrated commitment to the principles of inclusion, diversity, anti-racism, and equity (IDARE) in scholarship, teaching, policy, and practice, and ways to continue to foster and promote these principles as a member of the Bloomberg School faculty.