Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Veterinary Public Health – One Health (College of Veterinary Medicine)

Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Veterinary Public Health – One Health (College of Veterinary Medicine) - 24000000EZ 

Description

 

Post-Doctoral Research Associate 

Veterinary Public Health – One Health

The department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, is a regional and national resource for veterinary laboratory diagnostics, biomedical discovery, public health, and the human-animal bond. We are now seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to conduct mixed methods, infectious disease research, specifically how occurrence and transmission of these diseases is influenced by intricate host interactions along the human-animal-environment interface. The overall objective of this research is to develop disease prediction and control models that employ both qualitative and quantitative tools.

This position will be based in Knoxville, Tennessee. It will focus on two main themes; the role of human behavior on animal health and welfare outcomes, as well as drivers of disease emergence and spread along the human-animal-environment interface. Biosecurity is a key ingredient in the management of animal health, disease prevention and control, about 20% of this position will focus on understanding the role of modifiable human behavior on the transmission of endemic and non-endemic animal diseases of high consequence in the US livestock industry. This will require a multisectoral approach and thus the successful candidate will have the ability to function successfully in interdisciplinary teams. Similarly, the evolving nature of our environment and rapid increase in emerging pathogens of medical and veterinary importance is complex and requires a One Health approach to understand and mitigate. This position will support the implementation of projects seeking to understand and reduce disease risk along the human-animal-environment interface, with a strong focus on vector borne zoonotic diseases. Successful candidate will be required to support students, interns, and residents in data wrangling and basic biomedical lab techniques.

 

Qualifications

 

Position requires a Ph.D. or a professional doctorate in Epidemiology, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine and or related fields (with the degree completed by the time of hire, or in final stages of completion), and experience with both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Generally, tasks and projects will involve analysis of mixed qualitative and quantitative data and development of models/strategies to elegantly link these data. Additionally, the successful candidate should have experience with managing large data sets, qualitative risk assessment, and statistical predictive modelling of disease occurrence or spread and impacts of mitigation measures. Experience with either; animal handling, community engagement or molecular lab techniques or a strong willingness to work in such settings is needed. Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills, and the ability to work independently are required. Previous experience with zoonotic disease or foreign animal disease research is an added advantage. Employees in the public health and epidemiology group support projects in other sections of the BDS Department.

Specific Tasks:

• Project management of research activities
• Design and implement qualitative and quantitative studies to assess the drivers of zoonotic disease occurrence or emergence along the human-animal-environment interface.
• Support sample collection, preparation, and preliminary testing of collected samples, including running serology screening tests and performing molecular techniques e.g., DNA extractions, running PCRs and genomic analysis.
• Publish in peer review journals and present at national and international scientific conferences.

Other tasks may arise during the appointment:

• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support teaching activity in epidemiology, One Health, food safety and veterinary public health.
• Participate in the mentorship of graduate and professional students.
• Support grant writing efforts of the team and wider One Health work in the department.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD or professional degree in Veterinary Medicine, Public Health, Epidemiology, or other health related sciences
• Strong data analysis skills in R (or similar languages). Knowledge of python an added advantage.
• Experience collecting and analyzing qualitative data.
• Publication history for quantitative and qualitative research
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.

Desirable/Preferred:

Candidates with any of the following qualities would have an added advantage:

• A background in international medicine, policy, or global health.
• Knowledge of ecological niche modelling
• Experience working with vector microbiome.
• Ability to travel and work globally as well as rural areas in the US.

How to Apply: Please submit your CV, a cover letter and 3 references to Ms. Elizabeth Allen at [email protected]

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX Section 504/ADA/ADEA Institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the University. The University does not discriminate based on race, sex or disability in its education programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available).

 

Job
  Research Professional 
Primary Location
  US-Tennessee-knoxville 
Organization
  Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences 
Schedule
  Full-time 
Campus/Institute  Institute of Agriculture 
Job Posting
  Apr 16, 2024, 10:55:01 AM