Morphologist, Curator of Entomology

The Army Public Health Center (APHC) is located on Aberdeen Proving Ground South (Edgewood Area). The APHC mission is to enhance Army readiness by identifying and assessing current and emerging health threats, developing and communicating public health solutions, and assuring the quality and effectiveness of the Army's Public Health Enterprise. Their vision is to be a world-class provider of public health services across the Army and DOD. For more information about APHC please visit https://phc.amedd.army.mil. 

This project will focus on the characterization of the mosquito fauna at four installations in support of the pesticide resistance monitoring surveillance program. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be processing and identifying field collected mosquitoes and develop installation level identification support tools to streamline identification and processing efforts for the team and future collaborators. Potential collaborators include installation pest control and preventive medicine as well as entomology experts from other organizations that are, or have, developed tailored entomological best practices guides and standard operating procedures (SOPs). This project will also entail literature reviews to validate current characterized species. The mentor and participant will collaborate to develop resistance program SOPs for receiving and processing specimens to include data management, archival, analysis, digital imaging of specimens, and support efforts; as well as product development to support data communication strategies for our customers. Additionally, insect rearing activities may also be required and taught as well as pesticide efficacy assays utilizing CDC bottle assay techniques, in support of the pesticide resistance mission. It is anticipated that the roll out of this program will result in the opportunity for peer-reviewed publications for motivated participants. This project also holds the potential to learn, collaborate, and support of our efforts to develop molecular identification and resistance screening assays using PCR techniques.

This appointment is a twelve month research appointment, 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.

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by APHC. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DOD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.

Formal training in mosquito identification, biology and control (experience or classroom instruction).

Experience working with insect resistance to pesticides.

Insectary operations, rearing and management of insect colonies.