Position Summary

The Data-Driven Research & Innovation in Veterinary Epidemiology Lab (DRIVE lab) at the at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University is seeking applicants for a 12-month, 100%-time postdoctoral associate.

This position is intended for candidates with strong training in quantitative epidemiology, data analysis, and population-level disease research, who are interested in advancing management strategies and disease prevention and control in dairy cattle populations. Applicants with expertise in complementary disciplines (e.g., computer vision, AI applications, risk assessment, economics, or related areas) are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will work on projects primarily, but not exclusively, focused on udder health, biosecurity, influenza in cattle, and workforce development, integrating epidemiological methods with applied dairy systems research.

While in this role, you will:

• Conduct quantitative epidemiological analyses using diverse data sources, including field-collected biological samples, on-farm sensor data, artificial intelligence–derived outputs, and video-based analytics, to support disease surveillance and control.
• Lead and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Support and mentor graduate students in data analysis, interpretation of results, and manuscript preparation.
• Contribute to the development of extramural grants and fellowship applications.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences.

The appointment is for 12 months with the possibility of renewal based on funding.

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 Degree

Doctorate -epidemiology, veterinary medicine, public health, data science, statistics, economics, or a related field.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in epidemiology, veterinary medicine, public health, data science, statistics, economics, or a related field.
• Strong quantitative and statistical skills.
• Experience with data analysis in R (or similar statistical software).
• Demonstrated publication record.
• Demonstrated interest in infectious disease prevention and control in livestock systems.

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter (one page max). The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
• CV
• University/college transcripts
• Names and contact information of three references.

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin March 15, 2026, and continue the position is filled. Applications must be submitted electronically on the MSU Career’s website. Questions can be directed to Dr. Zelmar Rodriguez, at zelmar01@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

03/15/2026

Summary of Physical Demands

Frequent heavy lifting.

Summary of Health Risks

Works with animals and unfixed animal tissue.

Website

https://cvm.msu.edu/

Department Statement

The Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences (LCS) is educating the next generation of veterinary professionals, conducting research that improves the lives of animals and humans, and providing the finest clinical services available.

Our diverse faculty focuses on areas ranging from dairy, food animal, and specialized equine services to intensive research and student training. They work closely with students pursuing DVM degrees, veterinarians in internship and residency programs, and MS and PhD students. Learning to better understand, diagnose, and treat disease takes place in some of the most advanced facilities and laboratories. Faculty and students work together to find new solutions and put them into practice for a better world.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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