Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career.
• The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc.
• Designs and evaluates experiments.
• Develops new ideas that promote current research.
• Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• May be responsible for operation of specific equipment.
• May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff.
• Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee.
• The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available.
• Appointments cannot exceed five years.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field.
• Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues.
• Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.

Additional Information about the Job:

Dr Vazquez-Prokopec and Huang at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory
University, are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher whose
interests focus on medical entomology and global health. The successful applicant will join a
multidisciplinary team of Geographers, Entomologists, and Ecologists investigating how emerging AI tools can be leveraged to improve the surveillance and control of urban malaria in Ethiopia. Within this new 3-year project, the postdoc is expected to design and conduct field and laboratory research while receiving advanced training from the Principal Investigators, thereby enhancing professional skills and research independence needed for a successful scientific career. Postdoctoral positions are temporary research appointments, initially for one year, with renewal contingent on satisfactory progress and available funding. The starting salary for this position will be $62,000 and will follow NIH pay scale for postdoctoral researchers.

Additional Information about the position:

The Postdoctoral Researcher will join “NextGen-LSM”, an innovative project recently funded by The Gates Foundation. The project aims to develop rapid, efficient, Larval Source Management (LSM) strategies for urban centers in Ethiopia, leveraging remote sensing, advanced machine learning, and web-based tools. A major component of the project centers in entomological field studies characterizing Anopheles stephensi larval productivity and adult density, Plasmodium infection in mosquitoes and people. During the second year, the postdoc will coordinate an entomological cluster randomized trial evaluating how NextGem-LSM can improve control of An. stephensi in 3 towns of Ethiopia.  By automating the detection of mosquito habitats from remotely sensed data, the project aims to guide the application of long-lasting larvicides to control An. stephensi and malaria transmission in selected urban environments from Ethiopia. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Field Coordination: To coordinate fieldwork activities that will involve larval and adult collection,  

• Molecular testing: Conduct laboratory diagnostics for Plasmodium infection, bloodmeal identification and mosquito genomics to support trial endpoints.    Experience in molecular cloning techniques desired. 

• Manuscript writing: be a lead author of key manuscripts emerging from the study. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in microbiology, entomology, global health, or a related field is awarded before the start date. Demonstrated expertise in mosquito research is required.
• MPH degree. Experience in vector-borne disease, infectious and tropical diseases.
• Laboratory experience working on molecular and immunological assays.
• Fieldwork experience conducting research with mosquitoes. Field experience in the tropics, preferably in Africa.
• Experience rearing mosquito colonies

Application materials 

• Curriculum vitae 

• Letter of application/Cover letter (2 pages max) 

• Research statement (2 pages max)  

• Writing samples (a maximum of three this may include journal articles, books, book chapters, dissertation chapters, etc.) 

• A list of two references with telephone numbers and email addresses.   

Important Dates: 

Application deadline: 04/15/2025 

Project starting date: 05/17/2025 

Project duration: Three years 

How to Apply: 

All applicants apply and submit all the requested materials in iCIMS. If there are any further questions, please contact Kim Awbrey (Coordinator of International Projects) at kim.awbrey@emory.edu. Application screening will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Emory University is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Further information 

Emory University’s Department of Environmental Sciences and College of Arts and Sciences.  
ProkopecLab: https://www.prokopeclab.org/  

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location.  Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.