Postdoctoral Associate in Planetary Health

Postdoctoral Associate in Planetary Health

The University of Vermont (UVM) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join a multidisciplinary team aimed at understanding the distribution of ticks and their pathogens across the Vermont landscape within the newly established Planetary Health Initiative s project will investigate the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens across Vermont’s forested, agricultural, and recreational areas, including the environmental and ecological drivers of tick and pathogen prevalence, and the potential human‑wildlife interaction hotspots for elevated disease risk.

This project combines elements of ecology, disease pathology, environmental factors, human behavior, land use, and recreation to assess the risk of tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis. The work will produce peer‑reviewed publications and presentations to UVM and broader scientific communities and deliver actionable recommendations for public health, recreation use, habitat, and ecosystem management in relation to tick‑borne disease in Vermont and beyond.

Key responsibilities include field data collection, molecular pathogen screening using PCR‑based techniques, spatial analysis and modeling (GIS, spatial statistics, population modeling), data synthesis, report writing, and mentoring undergraduate students.

• Ph.D. in ecology, disease ecology, wildlife biology, or related field by start date.
• Strong background in field‑based ecology and ecological modeling.
• Experience with molecular techniques for pathogen detection, especially PCR‑based methods.
• Familiarity with spatial analysis and modeling techniques (GIS, spatial statistics, population modeling).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to mentor undergraduates in the field and lab.
• Ability to work in inclement weather and manage difficult terrain and habitat conditions.
• Demonstrated interest in applying ecological research to inform public health and land management practices.

• Experience with tick‑borne disease epidemiology.
• Prior work in a university or research institute setting.
• Grant writing experience.

Anticipated salary will be in‑line with NIH minimums and applicant’s experience; minimum $63,480. HR will consult the campus peer group and market conditions.

Travel between sites will be required. The position offers a hybrid schedule with flexible telecommuting options in accordance with university policy.

UVM is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected category.

Finalists may be subject to a criminal background check. The position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.