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Work type:Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Veterinary Medicine
Department: Population Health Sciences Dept
Location:Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories:Research / Scientific, Veterinary Medicine

Job Description

The Department of Population Health Sciences in conjunction with the School of Plant & Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech are looking to hire a a Postdoctoral Associate for a clinical trial study/project.

Ivermectin mass drug administration (iMDA) is currently being evaluated in clinical trials as a strategy for malaria vector control. The BOHEMIA (Broad One Health Endectocide-based Malaria Intervention in Africa) project is implementing a clinical trial for iMDA in Mozambique, focusing on the use of ivermectin in humans and pigs; and in Kenya, focusing on humans and cattle. The study is designed to determine the safety and efficacy of iMDA, and will generate One Health data needed to support a policy recommendation for its use as a new vector control tool in malaria endemic regions. To supplement the data needed for a policy recommendation, an economic analysis and environmental impact assessment of the intervention is planned.
The scholar will contribute to the economic analysis and environmental impact assessment, integrating trial data with national-level demographic data under various scale-up scenarios. This unique project offers the opportunity to develop new frameworks for decision-making relative to One Health interventions, and generate data that directly contributes to global malaria control policy.
In addition, the scholar will support project PIs in the oversight of field operations in Kenya, including ongoing collaboration with our implementation partners. The scholar will receive training in 1) laboratory sampling processing and preparation for testing of organic chemicals in environmental samples; and 2) benthic macroinvertebrate sampling and assessment. The scholar will then travel to Kenya for 3-4 weeks to train field personnel in these techniques prior to the start of trial activities.
The scholar will be expected to take responsibility for preparing and publishing scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals as first author and contribute to other publications relevant to the scholar’s interests. The scholar will also contribute to policy reports and other publications.
This position provides numerous other opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration offered by Virginia Tech, such as the Global Change Center (GCC), CeZAP (Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, Arthropod-borne Pathogens), and the Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture (CAIA) and to develop new working relationships with other universities.
The scholar’s efforts will be split between the Department of Population Health Sciences and School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech. The initial term of one year is offered, with the potential for renewal contingent on funding availability and performance. This position may be offered as a fully on-site position or as a hybrid remote and on-site position. The minimum on-site time requirement is 4 weeks in Q1 of 2023 for laboratory training. Additional on-site activities may be requested, up to an additional 4 weeks. In addition, the scholar is expected to travel to Kenya for 3-4 weeks in Q2 of 2023 to train field personnel.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in area relevant to public health, economics, biology, chemistry, environmental health, or related discipline. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
Candidates with DVM, MD or equivalent professional degrees may apply if they have additional Master-level degrees in relevant fields.
• Strong skills in quantitative data analysis
• Proficient in R for data analysis
• College-level chemistry or biological lab skills
• Willingness and ability to travel during the required time frames

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with analysis of survey data
• Experience working with DHS, MIS or other national level data sets
• Experience with cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-benefit analysis, or other economic assessments of public health programs
• Experience working in a chemistry or biology lab
• Experience working in international settings or with international collaborators

Salary Information

Salaried; to commensurate with experience and NIH/University Salary Data

Review Date

November 1, 2022

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Cassidy Rist at crist6@vt.edu  during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.