The Vector-borne Disease Unit is seeking a Research Scientist 2/Vector-borne Disease Epidemiologist/Entomologist to design and implement surveillance, research, and public health response activities associated with vector-borne disease pathogens and for tick vectors of public health concern. Responsible for analyzing vector-borne disease data (human, vector, animal), and producing weekly surveillance reports used by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), NJ Department of Agriculture (NJDA), Rutgers University, and other public health and vector control partners to target mosquito control and education activities. Oversees the state's tick surveillance program for ticks of public health concern in NJ to investigate and measure tick presence and abundance and estimate pathogen presence and prevalence. Participates in field activities and collaborate with Public Health and Environmental Laboratories (PHEL) staff on the development and use of expanded tickborne disease pathogen testing in ticks. Identifies and researches metrics and develops research tools to monitor tickborne disease in humans, measure tick abundance and pathogen prevalence in ticks, and applies data and findings from tick surveillance to the impact on human-tick encounters and tickborne diseases. The information gained will be used to monitor changes in tickborne diseases geographically and over time, and to develop strategies to improve prevention of tickborne illness. Designs new and innovative surveillance strategies and conducts surveillance, research, and public health response activities associated with vector-borne diseases and tick vectors of public health concern. Plans and implements descriptive and analytical epidemiologic studies and investigations related to vector-borne disease surveillance, develop data collection tools, and monitor epidemiologic and clinical data to identify changes in clinical presentation, illness severity and/or populations/groups at risk. Oversees JerseySurv, the state’s vector-borne disease surveillance system, analyze vector-borne disease data and produce weekly surveillance reports. Oversee the state's tick surveillance program, including determining appropriate habitat for tick surveillance, coordinating and assisting in tick collections, providing training on tick surveillance, and ensuring accuracy of collection and testing data. Reviews and classify vector-borne disease reports and ensure accurate reporting to CDC. Provides consultation and technical assistance and plans and conducts training seminars for public health, healthcare, and vector control partners. Serves as liaison to local, state, and federal agencies, academic partners, and professional associations for vector-borne disease issues. Prepares detailed scientific articles and reports on investigations for publication in scientific journals and presentation at scientific meetings. Provides after-hours coverage to address inquiries from healthcare providers and local health departments as needed.  Attends vector-borne disease epidemiology and entomology meetings for improved state and local coordination. 

EDUCATION:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the position.

EXPERIENCE:

Three (3) years of full-time experience in a field appropriate to the position.

NOTE: A Doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the position may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.

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