New Study - LupiQuant: A real-time PCR based assay for determining host-to-parasite DNA ratios of Onchocerca lupi and host Canis lupus from onchocercosis samples
Onchocerca lupi is a filarial nematode that poses a public health and veterinary threat to wildlife, companion animals, and humans globally, including some areas of the Pacific Southwest region. Reported incidence of this parasite in canines has continued to escalate steadily during the last two decades and was recently documented in humans. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of this parasite can provide insight into gene content, provide novel surveillance targets, and elucidate the origin of local strains. However, past attempts at WGS of other Onchocerca species have reported a substantial portion of their data to be unusable due to the variability and abundance of host DNA in samples. In this recent study, PacVec training grant recipient Chandler Roe, mentor Dr. Jason Sahl, and PacVec investigator Dr. Crystal Hepp developed a method to determine the host-to-parasite DNA ratio using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) approach. This approach relies on two standard plasmids, each of which contains a single-copy gene specific to the parasite genus Onchocerca (major body wall myosin gene, myosin) or a single-copy gene specific to the canine host (polycystin-1 precursor, pkd1). These plasmid standards were used to determine the copy number of the myosin and pkd1 genes within a sample to calculate the ratio of parasite and host DNA. Furthermore, WGS data for three O. lupi isolates were consistent with the host-to-parasite DNA ratio results. This study demonstrates, despite unified DNA extraction methods, variable quantities of host DNA within any one sample which will likely affect downstream WGS applications. Their quantification assay of host-to-parasite genome copy number provides a robust and accurate method of assessing canine host DNA load in an O. lupi specimen that will allow informed sample selection for WGS[full publication].
West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) activity continues in the Pacific Southwest
CALIFORNIA
WNV - Human Cases: 131 Counties: 24
Ten WNV-related fatalities have been reported to CDPH this year from 8 jurisdictions: Colusa (1), Fresno (2), Kings (2), Merced (1), Orange (1), Santa Clara (1), Stanislaus (1), and Tehama (1).
WNV has been detected in 31 counties in California this year: San Mateo, Shasta, Glenn, Napa, Sonoma, Ventura, Tehama, Butte, Lake, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer, Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, and Riverside.
SLEV - Human Cases: 11 Counties: 6
Eleven human cases of St. Louis encephalitis have been confirmed in the following counties: Sacramento, Los Angeles, Fresno, Kern, Tulare, and Stanislaus. As of November 18th, 152 SLEV-positive mosquito samples have been reported.
Register for MVCAC's 91st Annual Conference and Exhibitor Showcase
The Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) is hosting their 91st annual conference between Jan 29th and Feb 1st, 2023 at the Disneyland hotel in Anaheim, California. Learn more and register on their website!
Register for AMCA's 89th Annual Meeting
The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) is hosting their 89th annual meeting between Feb 27th and Mar 3rd, 2023 at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nevada. The AMCA annual meeting is the premier education and networking event for researchers, educators, vector control professionals, industry representatives, and students in mosquito control. Every year since 1938, hundreds gather to hear the latest research, share ideas, and form collaborations. Our educational sessions and exhibit hall help to put attendees on the cutting-edge of this ever-expanding field! Learn more and register here!
Have an upcoming meeting that you would like to share? Please reach out to us at questions@pacvec.us!
EYE on Yellow Fever Podcast Series, WHO ‘EYE on yellow fever’ is a podcast series highlighting the global risks of yellow fever and how the Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) Strategy is addressing these challenges in the most-affected countries. Experts from different fields of climate change and even outer space explore why and how this disease is in danger of spreading globally and take you inside a concerted global effort to ensure that yellow fever does not become the next big global health threat. The series is available on the WHO website or your preferred podcast app.
Virtual Seminar Series on Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases
The third year of the Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases seminar series is sponsored by the Coordinating Research on Emerging Arboviral Threats Encompassing the Neotropics (Create-NEO) and the UTMB Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. Seminars will be hosted every second Tuesday of the month starting September 13, 2022. Register in advance for this webinar series here.
CDC Zoonoses and One Health Updates (ZOHU Calls)
Zoonoses & One Health Updates (ZOHU) Calls are one-hour monthly webinars that provide timely education on zoonotic and infectious diseases, One Health, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, vector-borne diseases, recent outbreaks, and related health threats at the animal-human-environment interface.
Free Continuing Educationfor a variety of public health, animal health, and human health professionals. Participants can earn CME, CNE, CEU, CECH, CPH and AAVSB/RACE. Each call is recorded and available online for those unable to attend live sessions.
Contact us if you have questions or suggestions for future topics.
Subscribe to the monthly ZOHU Call News and Updates email newsletter.
NEVBD Vector Biology Boot Camp Lectures Available Online
NEVBD is pausing their in-person component of the Vector Biology Boot Camp for the time being, with the hopes of offering it again in 2023. In lieu of their hands-on program, you can access recorded presentations from the 2021 Virtual Vector Biology Boot Camp available through the Cornell Video on Demand service. Simply complete this user registration form or visit their website to gain access to these recordings.
The University of Idaho (UI) IHHE is hosting its annual Biology of Vector-borne Diseases six-day course, Monday through Saturday, June 12-17, 2023, on the UI campus in Moscow, Idaho. This course provides accessible, condensed training and “knowledge networking” for advanced graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, new faculty, and current professionals to ensure competency in basic biology and cutting-edge knowledge for U.S. and global vector-borne diseases of plants, animals, and humans. Applications will be reviewed starting December 1, 2022, and applicants will be notified of their acceptance for the course in spring 2023. Please email chhe@uidaho.edu with any questions.
Online Course: Biology of Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Disease-Causing Arthropods - Next course starts December 7!
Interested in learning about the biology & behavior of mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods that affect human health? Enroll in a new certificate course from eCornell! In this certificate course, you will explore the fascinating biology, behaviors, and disease-transmission processes of a range of organisms, with special emphasis on the most important groups, including ticks and mosquitoes. You will also learn about specific diseases associated with these vectors that can be passed on to humans. This course is appropriate for those working in healthcare and vector-borne disease control, those who train and supervise outdoor workers, and students of vector biology who may not have access to other courses on this topic. This course is now accredited for 28 contact hours of training with the National Environmental Health Association.
Learn to develop an effective vector surveillance program, collect data, and communicate risk with the Cornell Entomology Department and eCornell in the newest online course Vector-Borne Diseases Surveillance. Take this 3-week instructor-led course with Dr. Laura Harrington and learn best practices to implement vector surveillance, data, and reporting methods. This course is now accredited for 28 contact hours of training with the National Environmental Health Association.
SECVBD, along with partners in the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is pleased to provide an online course in mosquito training for pest managers. Participants who complete the 11 modules in the course will learn to identify and understand the mosquitoes of major importance in the urban environment, their life cycles, the general methods of control, personal protective equipment required for safe insecticide application, and the laws and regulations governing mosquito control for the urban pest management industry. CEUs have been approved for FL, SC, AL, CO, and CA at this time.
The CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases has developed an online tick training course, now available! This course is an introduction to ticks, tick-borne diseases, and tick control for employees in the urban pest management industry, public health entomologists, and anyone interested in learning more about ticks. This self-paced course is eligibile for 2 FDACS CEUs and was recently approved for CDPH CEUs (2.25 hours - Category C)! Learn more and enroll for free!
Designed for professionals with less than five years’ experience in pest management, the Certified IPM Technician (CIT) credential demonstrates a foundational skillset and commitment to the IPM principles and practices. Applications for the credential are being accepted by the ESA Certification Corp [full article].
ESA also offers several other certification programs for professionals:
Special Issue on "Landscape Epidemiology of Vector-Borne Diseases"
Dr. Chad L. Cross (chad.cross@unlv.edu) is putting together an article collection in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health aiming to publish manuscripts that directly incorporate scale (time and/or space) into understanding vector-borne disease patterns and processes and, ultimately, how these patterns and processes potentially impact human and/or animal health. Manuscripts may focus on disease vectors, vector-borne pathogens, zoonotic diseases, emerging diseases, mathematical/statistical modeling, etc. so long as landscape epidemiology and disease vectors are functionally incorporated into the thesis of the manuscript. Manuscripts that incorporate a One Health perspective are especially welcome [Learn More]. Deadline for manuscript submissions: August 31, 2023.
If you have mosquito (Aedes or Culex) samples to be tested for insecticide resistance, feel free to reach out to us, ideally well before the desired testing date. PacVec is providing testing and training services at no charge, and all results will be returned to you. Dr. Anton Cornel's laboratory is leading this activity and has organized various regional training workshops on bottle bioassay testing. Anyone interested in getting help with testing can send an email to bioassays@pacvec.us.
Got ticks? Contact BiTeRS!
The Border Tick and Rickettsia Surveillance (BiTeRS) program of the Pacific Southwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (PacVec)offers services to enhance surveillance for ticks and tick-borne pathogens of human health concern in California and Arizona. This is made possible through our project leaders at the University of California, Davis and the University of Arizona, and collaborating local and state agencies, including the California Department of Public Health and the Arizona Department of Health Services.
We work with partner organizations to:
Perform surveillance for ticks and tick-borne diseases in their area
Learn about risks of tick-borne diseases in their area by testing ticks for pathogens/diseases
Collect and submit ticks for identification and testing
Rapidly report results of tick identification and pathogen testing to submitting partners
Provide training on ticks and tick-borne disease
We help every step of the way, and shipping and testing are FREE. Collection supplies and protocols are provided, and partners receive all results on ticks they have submitted.
Partner organizations may be:
Government entities (local, tribal, county, or other)
Workplaces with tick exposure
Animal control, humane, or veterinary organizations
Pest control services
Other businesses or groups near the southern border with potential tick exposure
In California, please contact Janet Foley and Laura Backus atcalticks@pacvec.usor call (530) 754-9740. In Arizona, contact Dawn Gouge and Lucy Li at azticks@pacvec.usor call (602) 418-5202. Stay Safe!
CDC website for the Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases
The CDC Division of Vector-Borne Diseases launched a new website highlighting the five Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (CoE). This website is a central location where you can learn more about the mission, key issues, and impact of each of the CoE programs. Visit the CoE website today!
Videos on larval mosquito resistance testing
In collaboration with partners at the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California, PacVec CoE has produced training videos providing an overview of resistance testing for larval mosquitoes. The videos discuss the rationale for monitoring resistance in mosquitoes, an overview of dose responses and how the dose response changes as resistance to larvicides evolves in a mosquito population, the different types of larval mosquito control agents, the supplies needed for carrying out bioassays, bioassay set-up and making stock solutions of control agents, and interpreting the bioassay results. See the videos and related materials here.
The Epicenter for Disease Dynamics at the One Health Institute in the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis is seeking a post-doctoral researcher interested in quantitative disease ecology focusing on modeling the effects of climate change on diseases in animal populations. The fellow will focus on activities related to the Wellcome Trust-funded project “Climate-driven models to predict future risk of arenavirus spillover”. The primary responsibilities of the fellow will be related to the development of analytical data pipelines, and disease distribution models. This is a 2-year post-doctoral position expected to begin in the early part of 2023 based at UC Davis. The fellow will primarily work with Dr. Pranav Pandit and other Co-PIs of the project, including Prof. Christine Kreuder Johnson, Dr. Brian Bird, and Dr. Marcela Uhart. To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to Pranav Pandit. Also, include GitHub profile or other coding portfolios (code shared along with peer-reviewed papers, etc.) if available, to highlight quantitative research you have performed.
The Florida Medical Entomology Lab is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate for a Ph.D. program in their team (Cynthia Lord’s lab) at the University of Florida. The position is available starting in Spring 2023 and the student’s academic department will be Entomology and Nematology. The candidate will work with an interdisciplinary, multi-institution team on ecological interactions in transmission of the Lyme spirochete between ticks and hosts. The project will explore effects of ecological, environmental, and microbial interactions on ticks and microbe transmission using mathematical models. Opportunities to participate in field and laboratory work at partner institutions are planned. Preference will be given to candidates with strong academic performance, excellent communication skills, and experience or demonstrated interest in modeling, mathematics and/or computer programming. Student will be expected to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and participate in professional meetings.To apply, please submit a CV, a cover letter, and short statement of research interests to Dr. Cynthia Lord. Please include contact information of at least two references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Location: Gainesville, FL Expected start date: Spring semester (January 2023)
A postdoctoral fellow position is available in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, to work with Dr. Luis Fernando Chaves. This is a school-funded position for one year that can be renewed for an additional year depending on successful performance. The position includes benefits and compensation that is congruent with NIH stipend levels. The postdoctoral fellow will join a multi-disciplinary team of epidemiologists, ecologists, modelers, vector biologists, geographers and other social and environmental scientists to do research on the impacts of changing environments on vector-borne diseases. The primary goal of this project is to understand non-linear responses of insect vectors, and the diseases they transmit, to land use / land cover changes and environmental variability, as driven by social, economic and political factors. The ultimate goal is to develop new models that integrate insights and theory from the social sciences into transmission mechanisms or that articulate the impacts of different modes of environmental variability in vector ecology and/or diseases sensitive to environmental change.
Location: Bloomington, IN For best consideration date:12/20/2022 Expected start date: 01/20/2023
Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Virus-Vector Interactions
A Postdoctoral Scientist position is available at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station funded through a NIH award investigating arbovirus-mosquito interactions and the impact of multiple mosquito blood meals on vector competence (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-019-0619-y). Individuals are expected to undertake fundamental cellular, molecular and organismal biological studies pertinent to the aims of the project. Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant field (virology, microbiology, or vector biology). Interested persons should submit electronic copies of: (1) a letter of application specifically addressing how the applicant meets the job requirements as listed above, especially experience in the stated fields, and including a statement of career goals, (2) a CV, and (3) contact information for at least three references to Dr. Doug Brackney, Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, P. O. Box 1106, New Haven, CT 06504.
Salary: $54,236.00 per year (plus competitive benefits)
Two ORISE Fellowship opportunities are available with the Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch (RZB), Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia. RZB is responsible for investigations into the pathogenesis, distribution, and control of unique obligate intracellular bacteria from the genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Orientia, and Coxiella which are transmitted by infected ticks, fleas, lice, and mites. As part of these efforts, RZB has recently implemented a project to expand and improve tick surveillance in the United States through the development and implementation of advanced molecular techniques for pathogen detection and tick species identification for medically important, human-biting ticks.
The FMCA & CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases are pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Dodd Fellowship.
In collaboration with the CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, ten fellowships will be awarded to support participation in the FMCA 2023 Dodd Short Courses (in-person) from January 29 to February 2, 2023. Each $1,000 fellowship can be used to cover registration and course fees as well as travel expenses.
The Florida Mosquito Control Association's (FMCA) Dodd Short Courses offer a range of courses to advance the training and development of individuals involved in pest management and vector control. A variety of course topics taught by experts include but are not limited to mosquito identification, surveillance and control techniques, classification of pesticides and pesticide application, as well as operational management.
Applications are accepted throughout the year and kept on file for many summer and seasonal opportunities. To apply, please visit https://pacvec.us/career-opportunities/.
The Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District is seeking applications to fill this position. Under the general direction of the District Manager, the Scientific Operations Manager (SOM) is an at-will, exempt, confidential, managerial position responsible for the management of the Surveillance, Research and Laboratory Operations Department and its staff. The SOM plans, organizes, administers, develops, and implements the District’s surveillance program, oversee laboratory functions, which monitors organisms of public health significance such as mosquitoes, ticks, rodents, and vector- borne disease incidence in SMVCD boundaries, as well as other scientific activities that support other District programs. This position performs advanced professional work which requires the interpretation and application of advanced concepts, methods, procedures, and technologies related to vector and vector-borne disease surveillance. Excellent communication, leadership skills and sound judgement are required.
Salary: $6,963.00 - $8,549.00per month Location: Shasta County, CA Application due: Open until filled
CDC's Arctic Investigations Program is recruiting a medical officer or senior epidemiologist for the Epidemiology Team in Anchorage, Alaska. This solicitation is for civil service personnel in job series 601 or 602 at grade 13, or Commissioned Corps equivalent. The Arctic Investigations Program’s mission is to prevent morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, with special focus on diseases of high incidence and concern among indigenous peoples. Priority activities include prevention of diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Helicobacter pylori, SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, and hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C viruses. Ongoing laboratory-based surveillance and cohort studies provide opportunities to describe long-term trends in these diseases and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of vaccines and other public health interventions.
Location: Anchorage, AK Application due: Medical Officer (12/21/2022), Epidemiologist (12/06/2022)
CDC's Arctic Investigations Program is recruiting a medical officer or senior epidemiologist for the Epidemiology Team in Anchorage, Alaska. This solicitation is for civil service personnel in job series 601 or 602 at grade 14, or Commissioned Corps equivalent. The Arctic Investigations Program’s mission is to prevent morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, with special focus on diseases of high incidence and concern among indigenous peoples. Priority activities include prevention of diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Helicobacter pylori, SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, and hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C viruses. Ongoing laboratory-based surveillance and cohort studies provide opportunities to describe long-term trends in these diseases and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of vaccines and other public health interventions.
Location: Anchorage, AK Application due: 12/21/2022
A position is available at the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District (SLCMAD) for a highly motivated candidate to help oversee mosquito surveillance in the greater Salt Lake City area. The selected candidate will work under the Laboratory Director at SLCMAD to assist in training, management, and material planning of the laboratory and its seasonal staff. In addition, the successful candidate will provide technical advice alongside the Laboratory Director for operation of other programs in SLCMAD. Critical tasks include field work to set and retrieve mosquito traps, mosquito sorting and identification, preparing mosquitoes for virus detection, pesticide resistance monitoring, mosquito colony rearing, and collaborating on applied research projects. Projects can include investigating links between pesticide resistance and operational control efficacy, new product/technology evaluations, insect behavioral bioassays, field ecology investigations, and interagency collaborations with other research groups. You will be required to submit both a resume/CV and a completed agency application form. For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact Dr. Greg White, Assistant Director: Greg@SLCMAD.org. You can submit documents via email to Dr. White or other members of SLCMAD leadership.
Salary: $42,278.00 - $84,556.00 per year Location: Salt Lake City, UT Application due: 03/01/2023
The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District is seeking aregular full-time Supervisor assigned to lead our mosquito and vector surveillance department which monitors adult mosquito abundance, tick abundance, and vector-borne disease. This is a career–track position with a local governmental public health agency. Our District is based in Roseville, CA and serves all of Placer County.
Location: Roseville, CA Application due: Open until filled
The Moab Mosquito Abatement District (MMAD) is seeking applications to fill this position. The Manager/Entomologist oversees everything necessary for running the District including mosquito monitoring and control activities carried out by MMAD technicians, and payroll and accounts-payable, which are handled by the Grand County Clerk per inter-local agreement. The fundamental responsibilities of the Manager/Entomologist of the Moab Mosquito Abatement District are to implement the policies and goals of the District as adopted by the Board of Trustees and to administer the procedural, technical, and fiscal requirements for effective mosquito/vector abatement in the District within the scope of and as required by state and federal laws. To apply, please submit a detailed resume, along with contact information for three references that can speak to your work experience and character to Tim Graham, MMAD Board Chairman: lasius17@gmail.com.
Salary: $50,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year Location: Moab, UT Start date: 01/01/2023
The Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District is seeking applications to fill this position. Under authority vested by the Board of Trustees and derived from legislation, the District Manager is the chief administrative, operational and financial officer of the District. As such, this position plans, organizes and directs the overall operations and works of the District, provides day-to-day leadership, and does related work as required and necessary. In addition to organizing the operational program for the present and immediate future, the position provides planning to prepare the District to adjust and modify its operations to respond to and to meet changing issues and trends. The District Manager is hired and employed at the collective will of the Board of Trustees.
Location: Parlier, CA Application due: Open until filled; position start date 01/2023
The County of San Diego is seeking applications to fill this position. This unclassified management position will be a strategic and innovative leader who strives for continuous improvement and is responsible for providing leadership and oversight to the Community Health Division. This position will plan, organize, manage, and provide direction and oversight for all staff, programs, services, and activities of the Division, including mosquito control and other vector control operational field programs, vector surveillance and technical services, operational support functions, and community health programs. The position will also have the following duties and responsibilities: Assumes leadership responsibility for managing the day-to-day operations of a vector control program and is a direct report to the equivalent of a vector control district general manager; plans, directs, and evaluates vector control program evaluation, priorities and objectives, policies, guidelines, and operating procedures; develops and implements procedures and methods for Integrated Pest Management and Best Management Practices in vector control public service; provides leadership with difficult or complex vector control disease investigations, public relations issues encountered through vector control operations, and resolves issues and identifies solutions.
Salary: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year
Location: County of San Diego, CA Application due: Continuous
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District is seeking applications to fill this position. Under direction of the General Manager, this position has both management and supervisory responsibilities and may be called upon to interpret directives to staff and to give authoritative advice and direction on specific issues. Successful performance requires an in depth understanding of the philosophy of the Board of Trustees and the General Manager on a broad range of matters. Performs higher level essential tasks as necessary to maintain operations in the absence of General Manager. Incumbent is expected to use good judgment to defer appropriate matters to the General Manager for personal attention. Salary: The starting salary for this position is contingent on experience and qualifications. Location: Elk Grove, CA Application due: Open until filled
The Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District is seeking applications to fill this position. Under the direction and supervision of the District Manager, this position is regarded as administrative and relates to organizing and controlling administrative records. The Secretary plans and organize files, other forms or record keeping, reports, and business office procedures; checks all invoices and pays the bills; is responsible for payroll and associated records; set up and maintains budgetary control and fiscal records, operational records, work load and cost data, personnel records, and devises forms as required; sets up and maintains property, equipment, repairs and service records; analyzes recorded data and prepares summary and statistical reports for the Manager; and develops and implements office procedures necessary for the efficient operation of the District. Salary: $60,625.00 - $75,794.00 per year Location: Bakersfield, CA Application due: 01/13/2023
Assistant Professor in Medical Entomology, Tenure-Track
The Department of Entomology at the University of Arizona is recruiting a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Medical Entomology. The successful candidate is expected to develop a top-quality, externally funded research program elucidating the biology of arthropods of medical or veterinary importance. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, molecular biology, physiology, ecology, behavior, genomics, modeling, and population genetics. The new hire will have the opportunity to collaborate with an established group of faculty with interests in medical entomology, including faculty in the Departments of Entomology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Epidemiology. Opportunities also exist to participate in established collaborations with Arizona tribal nations, partner institutions in Mexico, and the Pacific Southwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases. The successful candidate is expected to develop and teach undergraduate courses in the Department of Entomology and graduate courses in the Entomology and Insect Science Graduate Interdisciplinary Program. The candidate will mentor graduate and undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds. Applicant reviews will begin November 30, 2022 and continue until the position is filled.
Location: Tucson, AZ Date posted: 10/17/2022 Target hire date: 4/01/2023
Assistant/Associate Professor in Veterinary Immunology (Tenure-Track, 2 Positions)
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is seeking two scientists with a demonstrated research focus on immunology. These are full-time, tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. The Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology is a highly integrated group studying the mechanisms by which disease develops at the organismal, cellular, and molecular levels. We are strongly collaborative with existing research strengths in host-microbe interactions, host response to infection, T- and B-cell biology, immunohematology, and stem cell research. Research interests in other areas of fundamental and applied immunology are also welcome, including (but not limited to) host-pathogen interactions, immunogenetics, immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity, allergy/hypersensitivity, cancer immunology, diagnostic immunology, vaccine development, and immune-based therapies.
Location: Davis, CA Date posted: 11/07/2022 Next review date: 1/09/2023 (Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee) Application due: 3/31/2023
Assistant Professor of Teaching (Preferred Emphasis: Entomology and Animal Biology)
The Department of Entomology and Nematology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis is recruiting an Assistant Professor of Teaching with a preferred emphasis in entomology and animal biology. This is an academic year (9-month), Assistant Professor of Teaching position with potential for security of employment (similar to tenure-track). Participation in outreach programs and performance of University service are also expected. Expertise in entomology or a related discipline is required. The appointee will be expected to carry out high-quality and innovative teaching in subjects supporting the Entomology and Animal Biology majors and consistent with the broad goals of the department. The appointee will be required to teach up to five undergraduate courses per year in departmental undergraduate curricula as assigned by the department chair. Teaching assignments will be based on enrollment, units, scope (classroom, field, laboratory), and needs of the department.
Location: Davis, CA Date posted: 10/28/2022 Next review date: 12/31/2022 (Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee) Application due: 2/28/2023
Assistant/Associate Professor in Microbiology (Tenure Track)
The University of California, Davis is seeking an outstanding research-focused microbiologist with a demonstrated research interest in veterinary bacteriology/mycology. The faculty provide a strong, collegial core to support investigation of infectious agents and disease in animals and humans. The departmental research focuses on the mechanisms by which diseases develop at the organismal, cellular, and molecular levels. They have overlapping and collaborative research strengths in both the interactions of microbes with their hosts and the host response to infection. A PhD or equivalent is required. Topics of specific interest include but are not limited to: antimicrobial resistance, the microbiome, microbial ecology, bacterial pathogenesis, metagenomics and the development of cutting-edge techniques to detect or examine the pathogenesis of bacterial or fungal infections.
Location: Davis, CA Date posted: 07/20/2022 Next review date: 09/15/2022 Application due: 12/31/2022
The Department of Public Health at the University of California, Merced invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Public Health. The Department’s mission is to promote and protect health in the San Joaquín Valley and the world through our research and the training of the next generation of public health leaders. The Public Health Department has had an approved MSPH and PhD in Public Health since 2017. The next stage in our growth includes the development and implementation of a stand-alone MPH program to meet the public health workforce needs in California’s Central Valley. Our current search is therefore broad, and we seek a colleague with demonstrated excellence in research in any substantive public health area and the skills to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the same. We are specifically interested in scholars with expertise in one or more of the following areas: infectious disease; global health; policy; implementation science; evaluation; and with a quantitative orientation.
Location: Merced, CA Date Posted: 09/09/2022 Next review date: 10/12/2022 (Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee) Final Application due: 6/30/2023
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is seeking applicants who are dedicated to serving as an Assistant Professor of Biology beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year (start Sept 1, 2023). The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Biology or a related field and an excellent track record in research that indicates a strong potential for attracting extramural funding. Postdoctoral experience is preferred but not required. The position will be located on the Edinburg campus of the University. The ideal candidate will have a background in pathogen biology, focused on pathogens that are transmitted by insects or other arthropods. Externally funded research and teaching experience are considered a plus. Successful candidates will be expected to join and actively collaborate in research with members of the UTRGVCenter for Vector-Borne Disease as well as other faculty at UTRGV. Research foci may include disease transmission or transmission systems, surveillance or diagnostics, general virology or microbiology, host/pathogen/vector dynamics, disease ecology and epidemiology, or other related fields. The preferred candidate will have strong molecular biology skills. Applicants should clearly articulate a vision for building an extramurally funded student-centered research program involving both undergraduates and master’s students, and a commitment to educating a diverse body of students at a Hispanic Serving Institution. Applicants are encouraged to apply early!
The Indiana University School of Public Health‐Bloomington (SPH‐B) invites applications for multiple tenured/tenure-track faculty positions in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health. This is an open-rank search and applicants at all levels (assistant, associate, or full professors) are welcome. SPH-B seeks individuals who will contribute toward academic and scientific excellence in support of our mission to create knowledge and train the next generation of professionals to protect human health by improving the quality of environments where people live, work, and play. These 10‐month appointments would ideally start August 1, 2023, although an earlier or later start date is negotiable. Applications received by November 15, 2022, will receive full consideration, and applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
Location: Bloomington, IN For best consideration: 11/15/2022 Expected start date: 08/01/2023 Application due: Open until filled
The Department of Entomology in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at The Ohio State University is seeking a tenure track Assistant Professor in Urban Entomology. The Assistant Professor in Urban Entomology will work to understand and manage insects of public health significance in urban communities, particularly as they relate to dimensions of socioeconomic disadvantage. Research conducted will investigate healthy, safe, and sustainable ways for control or eradication of insects that are found in and around human habitations. The research will focus on understanding the complex urban environment, how that environment impacts insect populations, and how to effectively control pest and/or vectored disease outbreaks. The successful candidate will integrate research with other hires in this cluster, with existing faculty in the Department of Entomology, and throughout OSU to understand the economic, cultural, and physical interactions that impede or facilitate the control of urban insect populations.
NEW - Roe CC, Urbanz J, Auten C, Verocai GG, Upshaw-Bia K, Holiday O, et al. LupiQuant: A real-time PCR based assay for determining host-to-parasite DNA ratios of Onchocerca lupi and host Canis lupus from onchocercosis samples. PLoS ONE. 2022.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0276916
MacDonald AJ, McComb S, Sambado S. Linking Lyme disease ecology and epidemiology: reservoir host identity, not richness, determines tick infection and human disease in California. Environ. Res. Lett. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ac9ece
Amos BA, Cardé RT. Verifying the efficiency of the Biogents Sentinel trap in the field and investigating microclimatic influences on responding Aedes aegypti behavior. J Vector Ecol. 2022. https://doi.org/10.52707/1081-1710-47.2.166
Sy N, Wheeler SS, Reed M, Haas-Stapleton E, Reyes T, Gan J et al. Pyrethroid insecticides in urban catch basins: A potential secondary contamination source for urban aquatic systems. Environ Pollut. 2022.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120220
Brummitt SI, Harvey DJ, Smith WA, Barker CM, Kjemtrup AM. Assessment of physician knowledge, attitudes, and practice for Lyme disease in a low-incidence state. Journal of Med Entomol. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjac137
Lu WY, Leal WS, Brisco KK, An S, Cornel AJ. A highly expressed odorant receptor from the yellow fever mosquito, AaegOR11, responds to (+)- and (-)-fenchone and a phenolic repellent. bioRxiv. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.09.26.509539
Bello JE, Cardé RT. Compounds from human odor induce attraction and landing in female yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti). Sci Rep. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-19254-w
Pascoe EL, Nava S, Labruna MB, Paddock CD, Marcantonio M, Foley JE et al. Predicting the northward expansion of tropical lineage Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks in the United States and its implications for medical and veterinary health. PLoS ONE. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0271683
Backus LH, Foley JE, Hobbs GB, Bai Y, Beati L. A new species of tick, Ixodes mojavensis, from the Amargosa Valley of California. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102020
Danforth ME, Snyder RE, Feiszli T, Padgett K, Coffey LL, Barker CM et al. Epidemiologic and environmental characterization of the re-emergence of St. Louis Encephalitis virus in California, 2015–2020. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0010664
Tetreau G, Sawaya MR, De Zitter E, Andreeva EA, Bannevile A-S, Federici B et al.De novo determination of mosquitocidal Cry11Aa and Cry11Ba structures from naturally-occurring nanocrystals. Nat Commun. 2022.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31746-x
Interested in viewing more articles from PacVec researchers?
Onchocerca lupi is a filarial nematode that poses a public health and veterinary threat to wildlife, companion animals, and humans globally, including some areas of the Pacific Southwest region. Reported incidence of this parasite in canines has continued to escalate steadily during the last two decades and was recently documented in humans. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of this parasite can provide insight into gene content, provide novel surveillance targets, and elucidate the origin of local strains. However, past attempts at WGS of other Onchocerca species have reported a substantial portion of their data to be unusable due to the variability and abundance of host DNA in samples. In this recent study, PacVec training grant recipient Chandler Roe, mentor Dr. Jason Sahl, and PacVec investigator Dr. Crystal Hepp developed a method to determine the host-to-parasite DNA ratio using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) approach. This approach relies on two standard plasmids, each of which contains a single-copy gene specific to the parasite genus Onchocerca (major body wall myosin gene, myosin) or a single-copy gene specific to the canine host (polycystin-1 precursor, pkd1). These plasmid standards were used to determine the copy number of the myosin and pkd1 genes within a sample to calculate the ratio of parasite and host DNA. 
Dr. Chad L. Cross (
