Vector Surveillance Specialist
About The Position
The Vector Surveillance Specialist supports the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Entomology Branch by conducting taxonomic, molecular, geospatial, and bio surveillance activities that enhance vector identification capabilities and global disease risk assessments. This role involves performing integrated taxonomic and molecular identification of arthropod vectors, supporting global field collection activities, processing biosurveillance samples, and managing vector surveillance and geospatial data. The specialist will also develop vector distribution maps and predictive models, produce Vector Hazard Reports, support the development of online data collection tools and SOPs, and contribute to scientific publications and funding applications. Additionally, the role includes assisting in the curation of WRAIR's national arthropod collections and supporting the dissemination of WRAIR taxonomic tools and online resources.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Entomology, Ecology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in vector biology, molecular identification, biosurveillance, or related scientific activities.
- Strong data management, analytical, and scientific communication skills.
- US Citizenship Required: Yes
- NACI (T1) Public Trust/Other Required
Nice To Haves
- Experience with geospatial tools preferred.
- Experience in DoW, federal research, or global surveillance environments preferred.
Responsibilities
- Perform integrated taxonomic and molecular identification of arthropod vectors, including development of morphological keys, molecular assays, DNA barcodes, and genome sequences.
- Support global field collection activities and process biosurveillance samples from WRBU and GEIS partners.
- Collect, process, and curate vector surveillance and geospatial data; maintain the VectorMap platform and archival repositories.
- Develop vector distribution maps, predictive models, niche models, and analytical products for disease risk estimation.
- Produce Vector Hazard Reports and other risk assessments for DoW stakeholders.
- Support development and maintenance of online data collection tools, SOPs, workflows, and partner training.
- Contribute to internal/external reports, scientific publications, and funding applications.
- Assist in curation of WRAIR's national arthropod collections and support visitor/loan management.
- Support development and dissemination of WRAIR taxonomic tools and online resources.
Benefits
- Full-flex work week
- 401K with company match
- Comprehensive health and wellness packages
- Internal mobility team
- Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications
- Cutting-edge technology
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Variety of medical plan options
- Dental plan options
- Vision plan
- Ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars to 401(k)
- Company match for 401(k)
- Variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time
- Paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave
- Short and long-term disability benefits
- Life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
