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The US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) has a medical entomology fellowship opportunity open to Master's-level graduates. The USAFSAM medical entomology program provides warfighters with timely, actionable information about vector-borne and zoonotic disease threats in their areas of operation. Our support of the Public Health mission allows our customers to make evidence-based force health protection recommendations anywhere in the world.

What will I be doing? 

The medical entomology laboratory receives public health surveillance samples from Air and Space Force installations worldwide. During this research experience, you will provide surveillance and research support primarily by identifying medically important arthropods received by the laboratory. You will also conduct fieldwork in the United States to collect arthropods such as ticks, mosquitoes or other vectors of interest, and you may test arthropod samples for vector-borne and zoonotic disease agents. Depending on laboratory needs and your interests, you may have the opportunity to conduct one or more analyses to determine blood meal hosts for vectors, pathogen variants present in different vectors or localities, insecticide resistance status of vectors, or phylogenetic relationships among vectors or detected agents. You may also have the opportunity to engage in field and laboratory investigations into any new or emerging vector-borne or zoonotic disease agents or invasive species detected or recognized at Air or Space Force installations.

Mentor: Leah Colton, PhD / leah.colton@us.af.mil / 937-938-3078 (call or email with questions)

Where will I be located? 

Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio

What is the anticipated start date?

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment at a full-time level of participation, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the benefits? 

You will receive a stipend in the range of $57,000 – $62,000 to be determined by USAFSAM. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About USAFSAM

The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) is a unique combination of three units: the Airman Systems Directorate (RH), the US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) and the Human Systems Integration Directorate (HP). USAFSAM is the premier institute for research, education, and worldwide operational consultation in Aerospace Medicine. USAFSAM has guided the advancement of aerospace medicine and human performance from the beginnings of aviation through the onset of the space age and into the present, and is the oldest continually operating institution of its kind. It is also host to the largest aeromedical library in the world. This opportunity is with the Medical Entomology Program, Epidemiology Consult Service at USAFSAM, in the 711HPW of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. USAFSAM's Epidemiology Consult Service is also part of the Defense Centers for Public Health - Dayton.

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.  Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

The qualified candidate will have received a Master’s degree in Entomology or a closely related field within the past 60 months or be currently pursuing a MS degree and expect to receive it by December 31, 2023.

Highly competitive applicants will have one or more of the following:

• Academic coursework in such areas as entomology, biology, zoology, molecular biology, parasitology, genetics, microbiology, virology, or related disciplines
• Experience in the identification of mosquitoes and ticks
• Experience in nucleic acid extractions (DNA and RNA), testing for disease agents in arthropods, and knowledge of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases and their epidemiology and ecology

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• One Recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommender as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

If you have questions, send an email to AIRFORCE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [USAFSAM-2023-0002R] in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing.  Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2023 11:59:00 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )