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Vector-borne Disease Program Specialist - Job Opportunity at Penn State University

University Park, United States
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: April 11, 2025
On-site
USD 51,000-74,000 per year

Benefits

Potential for grant funding and research support
Academic environment with access to university resources
Professional development opportunities
Collaborative research environment
Work-life balance typical of academic institutions

Key Responsibilities

Lead statewide vector-borne disease surveillance and management programs
Design and implement educational outreach initiatives across multiple platforms
Secure and manage research funding through grants and contracts
Foster partnerships between academic, government and community stakeholders
Conduct applied research and publish findings
Develop and evaluate program effectiveness

Requirements

Education

Master's degree or higher in entomology, public health, epidemiology, veterinary science, or related field

Experience

3 years of relevant experience

Required Skills

Vector surveillance and disease management expertise Strong communication and public outreach abilities Grant writing and management Program development and evaluation Research methodology and data analysis Community engagement and stakeholder collaboration Valid driver's license required
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Climate change is increasing vector-borne disease prevalence, driving higher demand for surveillance and management expertise Growing emphasis on One Health approach linking human, animal, and environmental health creates opportunities for integrated disease management programs Increased public health funding post-pandemic supports expansion of vector-borne disease programs Rising need for community-based participatory research and engagement in public health initiatives

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range aligns with academic research specialist positions, though slightly below industry positions. Commercial sector roles in vector control and public health typically offer 15-20% higher compensation.

Role Significance

Typically operates within a small team of 3-5 specialists, often supervising graduate students and coordinating with multiple stakeholder groups
Mid-level specialist position with significant program ownership and strategic input, reporting likely to Extension leadership or academic department head

Key Projects

Statewide surveillance system development and implementation Community education and outreach program design Grant-funded research initiatives Multi-stakeholder collaboration programs Policy and practice recommendation development

Success Factors

Strong ability to translate complex scientific concepts for public audiences Excellence in stakeholder management across academic, government, and community sectors Proven track record in securing and managing research funding Experience with program evaluation and continuous improvement Capacity to work independently while maintaining collaborative relationships

Market Demand

Strong and growing demand due to climate change impacts, emerging diseases, and increased public health awareness post-COVID-19

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Vector surveillance methodology - essential for program effectiveness and research validity Stakeholder engagement - crucial for program implementation and community buy-in Grant writing - vital for program sustainability and research funding Program evaluation - key for demonstrating impact and securing continued support

Beneficial Skills

GIS and data visualization skills Policy analysis and development experience Emergency response planning Social media and digital communication expertise

Unique Aspects

Integration of research and community outreach in single role
Opportunity to influence public health policy at state level
Combination of academic and practical public health work
Strong institutional support for program development

Career Growth

2-4 years in role typical before advancement, dependent on program success and funding security

Potential Next Roles

Senior Program Director Public Health Program Manager Research Center Director Extension Program Leader Public Health Policy Advisor

Company Overview

Penn State University

Penn State University is a major land-grant institution with extensive research and extension programs serving Pennsylvania communities

Leading public research university with strong reputation in agricultural and public health research
Primary vector-borne disease research and education center in Pennsylvania with significant regional influence
Academic environment emphasizing research excellence, community service, and collaborative approaches
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