Faculty Position in Disease Ecology

The Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health (IDGH) at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University invites applications for a faculty position in Disease Ecology and Infectious Diseases at the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor. The successful candidate will join a strong, collaborative, and collegial faculty, including a robust group of researchers in Emerging Diseases and Global Health with expertise spanning diseases of animals and those with zoonotic potential. Our wildlife and conservation medicine related programs, including Tufts Wildlife Clinic, are a driving interest of both graduate and professional students and a rich source of innovation in understanding ecological and ecosystem level contributions to disease in wild animal populations. We are seeking to catalyze development of research capacity and collaborations that will expand competitiveness and leadership in these areas by increasing our expertise in disease ecology.

We are seeking an investigator with the interest and ability to develop a strong, independent research program in the ecological foundations of infectious disease, including the nature of immunity, resistance, and disease spread, in wild and domestic animal populations. Individuals with an interest in investigating disease development and spread related to anthropogenic impacts on free ranging animal populations, including how health and policy interventions help remediate impacted animal populations and reduce human disease risk are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will bring skills in ecology, bioinformatics and statistical analysis and knowledge of the ecological and anthropogenic drivers of pathogen evolution and transmission. Candidates who are using innovative approaches, including computational and epidemiological or modeling, to investigate molecular, cellular, and/or organismal topics in high priority areas are particularly well suited to succeed in this position. For those with the appropriate qualifications, there is the opportunity to provide care in the Tufts Wildlife Clinic.

The research strengths of IDGH faculty include disease ecology and evolution focused on viral and tick-borne disease, neglected tropical diseases, enteric infections, development of disease models, and vaccine and therapeutic development including microbiome-centered approaches. Tufts University is home to a variety of strong core facilities and specialized shared resources that are available for infectious disease research at Cummings School. These include the New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory (a BSL-3 biocontainment research space), flow cytometry, and a recently established Comparative Pathology and Genomics Shared Resource. An active clinical hospital and diagnostic lab provide additional opportunity for material samples and project collaboration. Tufts University is home to the School of Medicine, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, and the Freidman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. The University and Cummings School are located in proximity to a rich academic research and industry environment.

The successful candidate is expected to establish an extramurally funded research program and should have interest in mentoring and training graduate, professional and postdoctoral students at Cummings School as an integral part of their research program. Teaching and mentoring in the professional and graduate training programs of Cummings School, particularly of MS students in the Master in Conservation Medicine, in areas of expertise will be expected.

A PhD or equivalent doctoral degree and record of productive research and grant writing skill is required. In addition, the successful candidate must have demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively with other scientists and to develop an independent, externally funded research program. Typically, this will be through completion of a successful postdoctoral fellowship or similar experience. A veterinary degree (DVM or equivalent) is considered an asset. The ideal candidate will have interest and experience in teaching and graduate training. We offer start-up support and a highly collaborative environment offering opportunities for both basic and applied or translational research. Salary and academic rank will be commensurate with experience and productivity.

The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by August 1, 2026. Applications received after August 1, 2026 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.

Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter, a statement of research interest, and the name and contact information of three references. In the cover letter, please describe your qualifications, research and scholarly interests, and reasons for applying for the position. Please address your strengths/experiences in creating an inclusive environment as it relates to teaching, research, and/or service. Statements of research interest should be limited to 2 pages and articulate key scientific questions, succinctly convey their importance to the field and to the broader community, and relay innovative ideas and approaches that promise to advance the challenging questions posed. Applicants may also include a statement of teaching philosophy/interest. Application materials should be submitted electronically through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/187991). Please direct any questions to department chair Dr. Jonathan Runstadler at Jonathan.Runstadler@tufts.edu.

The salary range for assistant professors is $124,000 to $186,000. The salary range for associate professors is $131,000 to $219,000. The salary range for professors is $140,000 to $280,000. Tufts University is committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation that reflects each candidate's experience, expertise, responsibilities, and performance. The pay offered within the posted range will be determined based on a variety of factors such as (but not limited to) the individual's education and experience, discipline, rank, internal equity, and budgetary considerations.

Cummings School, the only veterinary school in New England, is situated in Grafton, MA on a 600-acre pastoral campus, forty-five minutes west of Boston and next door to Worcester, the second largest city in Massachusetts. A virtual tour of the campus is available here. There is a regional rail service stop adjacent to campus and easy access to cultural and sporting events. The campus is a short drive from beautiful beaches, mountains, and other unique features of New England. The area is a hub of biotechnology and higher education. The K-12 education system is excellent. Housing is readily available close to campus or in any number of surrounding towns. Links to faculty policies and procedures and human resources benefits can be found here.