Position Details

Title
Postdoctoral Fellowship – Environmental Virology and UV-C Disinfection

Appointment Status
Non-Tenure Track

Department
IU Bloomington Environmental and Occupational Health

Location
Bloomington

Position Summary

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health
Indiana University School of Public Health–Bloomington

A postdoctoral fellowship is available in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health within the Indiana University School of Public Health–Bloomington under the direction of Dr. Roberto Rodriguez. This is a grant-funded position for a minimum of one year and is renewable for up to three years based on performance and continued funding.

The overall goal of this USDA APHIS–funded project is to develop and validate ultraviolet-C (UV-C and far-UV-C) disinfection technologies to prevent the introduction and spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry operations. The project integrates environmental virology, UV disinfection engineering, aerosol science, surface science, and data-driven modeling to address HPAI transmission via air, water, and surfaces.

The successful applicant will be expected to play a central coordinating and research leadership role in the project. Responsibilities include coordinating laboratory and field-based research activities across collaborating institutions, conducting and analyzing experimental studies, contributing to peer-reviewed publications, and supporting data integration across project objectives. The postdoctoral fellow will work closely with faculty investigators, graduate students, and technical staff to ensure alignment across objectives and timely progress on deliverables.

In addition to research activities, the postdoctoral fellow will contribute to extension and stakeholder engagement efforts to translate research findings into practical biosecurity guidance for the poultry industry. These activities may include participation in site visits, preparation of applied summaries or training materials, and engagement with industry partners, coordinated with faculty and extension collaborators. Extension responsibilities are integrated with, but do not replace, the primary research mission of the position.

Resources are available for travel to scientific meetings and stakeholder workshops. Formal training opportunities are available in grant writing, research ethics, rigor, and reproducibility. The postdoctoral fellow will also have opportunities to develop independent research interests within the scope of the project.

The position involves close collaboration with a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional research team, including partners at the University of Colorado Boulder and Michigan State University, and provides access to BSL-2+ and BSL-3 laboratory facilities.

Compensation and Benefits: The fellowship includes full benefits, and compensation is congruent with NIH/USDA postdoctoral stipend levels and Indiana University policies.

Basic Qualifications

Required Qualifications: A Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, virology, microbiology, public health, or a closely related field is required. ABD candidates will be considered for an interview, but must have earned the terminal degree by the start date. Candidates must demonstrate experience conducting laboratory- or field-based experimental research, strong quantitative and data analysis skills, and excellent scientific writing abilities.

Additional Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Environmental or molecular virology
• UV or far-UV disinfection technologies
• Cell culture or viral infectivity assays
• Aerosol science, air sampling, or surface–virus interactions
• Research coordination across multi-institutional projects
• Translation of scientific findings into applied guidance or outreach materials
• Experience working with agricultural, environmental, or public health stakeholders
• Familiarity with BSL-2 or BSL-3 laboratory environments

The successful candidate should be an enthusiastic scientist, an effective collaborator, and demonstrate strong potential for independent research.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1. A cover letter describing research interests and career goals (including interest in applied or translational research)
2. A curriculum vitae
3. Names and contact information for three professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications received by February 23 will be given full consideration. The anticipated start date is March 23, 2026, but it is negotiable.

Interested candidates should review the application requirements and submit their application through the Indiana University employment system at: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/31955