Post Doctoral Associate - SEBS - Entomology/Center for Vector Biology

Position Details
Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Post Doctoral Associate - SEBS - Entomology/Center for Vector Biology
Department	SEBS - Entomology
Salary	Commensurate With Experience
Posting Summary	Applications are invited for a Post-doctoral Associate specializing in the molecular biology and ecology of ticks to carry out USDA-NIFA funded research focusing on tick-borne disease, surveillance and molecular control mechanisms e.g., anti-tick vaccines. The successful candidate will be an exceptional scientist with a strong track record of published research involving molecular biology, surveillance and ecology of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). Candidates must have strong communication and interpersonal skills and a publication record consistent with the position. The successful candidate will be expected to integrate in two USDA-NIFA funded projects and lead both field surveillance and lab-based molecular analyses of field ticks consistent with project aims.
Position Status
COVID-19 Immunization Requirement	Under Policy 60.1.35 , Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated and have received a booster (where eligible) against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Prospective employees who are not eligible for a booster at the time of an offer of employment must provide proof they have received a booster within two weeks (14 calendar days) of eligibility . Based on current guidance, individuals are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of any COVID-19 vaccine authorized or approved for use in the United States by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Eligibility for a booster against COVID-19 varies and is explained on the University’s web site located at https://coronavirus.rutgers.edu/covid-19-vaccine . Failure to provide proof of primary vaccination and booster will result in rescission of a prospective employee’s offer of employment and/or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Posting Number	21FA0983
Posting Open Date	01/19/2023
Posting Close Date

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	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.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	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. The ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences including University personnel, state and local health departments, and the public, is essential.
Equipment Utilized	The successful candidate will regularly utilize basic molecular laboratory equipment (pipettes, balances, agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR instrumentation) in addition to varying bioinformatic tools pertaining to genomic research implemented on high-performance computing clusters. In addition, standard field equipment for tick collection will be utilized and the applicant must complete required Environmental Health safety training and Defensive Driving classes.
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Must be able to drive a University-owned vehicle, including pick-up truck. Must be able to conduct outdoor field research under New Jersey summer weather conditions.
Overview	80% 1. Field and laboratory (molecular) experiments involving hard ticks. Expected outcomes are high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals and for support of grant applications. 5%. 2. Keep record of work, analyze data, create drafts of manuscripts for publication. Responsible for coherent documentation of experiments and surveys. A lengthy written and continually updated notebook is required. 5%. 3. Maintain equipment, keep inventory of supplies. Expected outcome is proper adherence to all health and safety protocols and regulations. 10%. 4. Training and mentoring of Rutgers undergraduate and graduate students.
Statement	This is a Grant-Funded Position for one year with the opportunity for renewal up to three years contingent upon funding and performance.

Posting Details

Special Instructions to Applicants
Quick Link to Posting	https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/139345
Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Cook (RU-New Brunswick)
City
State
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 60.1.35 Immunization Policy for Rutgers Employees and Prospective Employees , Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated and have received a booster (where eligible) against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Employees who are not eligible for a booster at the time of an offer of employment must provide proof they have received a booster upon eligibility and upload proof of same. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement