Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Vector-Borne Disease & Protozoan Pathogenesis; St Kitts

Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Vector-Borne Disease & Protozoan Pathogenesis (St Kitts)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Vector-Borne Disease & Protozoan Pathogenesis (St Kitts)

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), an Adtalem Global Education institution located on St. Kitts, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship that offers a unique opportunity to work on vector‑borne disease ecology and molecular protozoology. The fellowship will split time between two complementary projects: tick microbiomes and pathogen transmission, and molecular, genomic, and proteomic studies of Trichomonas tenax
, a zoonotic protozoan associated with periodontal disease.

About the Fellowship

The fellow will work closely with two experienced supervisory teams: the Tick Microbiome Project Supervisors – Dr. Samson Mukaratirwa, Dr. Ricardo Gutierez, Dr. Munetsi Tagwireyi; and the Trichomonas tenax Project Supervisor – Dr. Chaoqun Yao. This dual‑focus fellowship provides access to cutting‑edge laboratory facilities, field opportunities, and rich datasets to address urgent questions in pathogen transmission, microbiome ecology, and molecular pathogenesis.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct microbiome analyses on Amblyomma variegatum ticks, including field collection, dissection, and genomic sequencing.
• Perform long‑read sequencing, genome assembly, and bioinformatic analysis of T. tenax
  .
• Analyze proteome and transcriptome data, including exosome characterization and cysteine protease identification.
• Prepare and submit a minimum of 4 peer‑reviewed manuscripts over the 2‑year term (two per project).
• Present findings at national and international scientific conferences.
• Lead and contribute to intramural and extramural grant applications.
• Supervise and mentor MSc, PhD, and DVM research students and volunteers.

Qualifications Essential Qualifications

• Willing to relocate to St. Kitts for this in‑person role.
• PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, parasitology, genetics, cell biology, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in genomics, proteomics, and/or microbiome analysis.
• Proven track record of research productivity (publications, conference presentations).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with long‑read sequencing platforms (e.g., Oxford Nanopore).
• Strong bioinformatics skills (genome assembly, proteome/transcriptome analysis).
• Proficiency in fieldwork techniques related to tick collection and dissection.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).

Additional Information

• Professional development through grant writing, publication mentorship, and conference presentations.
• Cross‑disciplinary exposure to vector biology, pathogen genomics, and host‑pathogen interactions.
• Access to collaborative networks across the Caribbean and internationally.

Final date to receive applications

Submit the following materials by November 20, 2025: cover letter (max 2 pages), CV with a complete list of publications, and reference information from 3 referees.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity – Minority/Female/Disability/V/ Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation.

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