Specialist - Outreach-Fixed Term

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University is seeking a highly motivated Academic Specialist to fill the position of NAHLN–NBAF Regional Scientist in East Lansing, Michigan. This role involves leading diagnostic innovation in high-consequence animal diseases and involves a 50% commitment to partnership efforts with the NAHLN.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in microbiology, virology, or epidemiology, and will be instrumental in fostering collaboration between laboratories. The position not only advances research and diagnostics but also prepares the candidate for future leadership roles in national laboratory networks.

Qualifications

• A PhD in microbiology, virology, or epidemiology is required.
• Expertise in infectious diseases or diagnostic laboratory science is necessary.
• Demonstrated collaborative skills across institutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate diagnostic assays aligned with NAHLN standards.
• Coordinate communication among NAHLN laboratories and stakeholders.
• Pursue funding opportunities to enhance partnership goals.

Skills

Collaborative work

Bioinformatics

Infectious diseases expertise

Education

PhD in microbiology, virology, epidemiology or related field

Tools

Molecular diagnostics

Next-generation sequencing

Job description

Working/Functional Title: NAHLN–NBAF Regional Scientist

Position Summary

The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL) seeks a highly motivated Academic Specialist to serve as the NAHLN–NBAF Regional Scientist for Region 3 (Midwest – Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Nebraska, Kansas). This fixed-term post‑doctoral position (ends November 2027) is part of a national initiative led by USDA APHIS that embeds scientific leadership across the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) in partnership with the National Bio and Agro‑Defense Facility (NBAF). This nationally networked fellowship is designed to develop the next generation of leaders in high consequence animal disease diagnostics, laboratory system coordination and outbreak response. The position integrates applied training in diagnostic assay development and validation, regulatory science and multi‑institutional collaboration. The successful candidate will commit 50% effort to the NAHLN‑NBAF partnership by leading regional efforts to advance diagnostic innovation, strengthen early detection of emerging animal and zoonotic diseases, and enhance coordination across federal, state, and university laboratories. The remaining 50% will support diagnostic service and translational research activities tailored to the fellow’s expertise and career development goals. This position provides a strong pathway to future leadership roles in diagnostic laboratories, regulatory agencies and national laboratory networks. Additional information about the NAHLN‑NBAF Partnership may be found on the Partnership website.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, optimize and validate diagnostic assays, aligned with NAHLN and regulatory standards, for emerging and high‑consequence animal diseases.
• Apply sequencing and bioinformatic approaches to support pathogen detection, characterization and surveillance.
• Coordinate scientific activities and communication across NAHLN laboratories, State Animal Health Officials (SAHOs), and Area Veterinarians in Charge (AVICs) in the Midwest region.
• Facilitate communication and coordination among NAHLN leadership, partner laboratories and stakeholders, including organizing and hosting quarterly regional meetings.
• Assess local, regional, national and international disease threats to inform preparedness strategies and develop regional risk assessments and response procedures.
• Identify gaps in diagnostic capacity and collaborate with other Regional Scientists to implement solutions across the network.
• Pursue competitive and cooperative funding opportunities to support initiatives that advance partnership goals.
• Collaborate with APHIS, NBAF and other regional scientists to align national priorities.
• Support implementation of new technologies including molecular diagnostics and sequencing approaches.
• Conduct laboratory site visits and coordinate in‑person partnership meetings as needed.

Required Degree

Doctorate – PhD in microbiology, virology, epidemiology, or related field.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in microbiology, virology, epidemiology, or related field.
• Expertise in infectious diseases or diagnostic laboratory science.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across institutions.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with NAHLN, APHIS, or federal/state laboratory systems.
• Experience with molecular diagnostics or next‑generation sequencing.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

CV/Resume, 3 professional references, and a Letter of Intent.

Review of Applications Begins On

07/01/2026

Summary of Health Risks

Exposure to unfixed animal tissue.

Website

https://cvm.msu.edu/vdl