Post-Doct Research Associate

Post-Doct Research Associate

Medical and Veterinary Entomology at the University of Tennessee focused on Ticks

Postdoctoral research associate in medical and veterinary entomology are available in the Trout Fryxell laboratory at the University of Tennessee in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. Postdoc will primarily be responsible for preventing and detecting the movement of Asian longhorned ticks (Haemaphysalis longicornis) and its associated cattle pathogen (Theileria orientalis Ikeda) in the region; although, a One Health approach will be used.

The postdoc will work together with lead postdoc in a team environment to help address this very real-world challenge in human and animal health. Collaborations will include stakeholders, scientists, and staff within and outside of the university. Postdoc applicants who are interested in working with animals and people, learning new skills, and comfortable with indoor and outdoor research are especially encouraged to apply. Postdocs will be expected to give presentations to a variety of audiences (e.g., to stakeholders, academic conferences), write reports and manuscripts intended for publication (e.g., Extension and academic publications), and mentor undergraduate students. Both associates are expected to generate and submit at least one paper per year from their University of Tennessee work.

The initial appointment is for 18 months with a mandatory 6-month probationary period, with a possibility of renewal for up to four years based on performance and continued grant funding.

Required Qualifications

• Applicants must have a PhD at the time of start in a field connected to entomology, animal science, veterinary sciences, parasitology, microbiology, molecular biology, epidemiology, or similar disciplines
• Positions require excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary team-based environment.
• Actively contribute to a respectful environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in vector biology, including tick collection and/or identification
• Experience working in the field with long days and in various climates
• Preference will be given to applicants with a record working in a team environment, publishing previous research, maintaining drive and motivation, and demonstrating problem-solving skills.
• Field/Laboratory Skills- taxonomic identification, collection, animal care/husbandry, maintaining colonies, molecular biology, etc.
• Analytical / Quantitative Skills- data management, data processing and analysis, GIS, webpage management, etc.
• Soft skills- teamwork, leadership, time management, communication, organization, etc.

Application Requirements

• A cover letter, which indicates your goals, the skills you have learned and can teach someone as well as the skills you desire to learn and/or improve upon.
• An updated CV (please include links to previously published manuscripts)
• List of three references with emails (letters are not necessary)

If you have questions about this position, please contact Dr. Trout Fryxell (rfryxell@utk.edu)

• Expected start date January 2023
• Salary 45-52k with moving allowance depending on qualifications