Assistant/Associate Professor of Infectious Disease

We are seeking an Infectious Disease Modeler to join our team and contribute to high-impact research that informs disease prevention and control, as well as outbreak preparedness and response strategies.

  • 521132
  • Manhattan
  • Diagnostic Medicne Pathobiolog
  • Academic / Faculty - 12 month
  • Closing at: Mar 11 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
View favorites

About This Role

This is a 12-month, tenure-track position with a predominately research-focused appointment. Specific distribution of effort among research, teaching, and non-directed service is negotiable. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in working across disciplines and collaborating broadly in areas that are potentially synergistic with existing departmental and college faculty strengths in animal and zoonotic infectious diseases. The successful candidate will develop and apply mathematical, computational, and statistical models to understand the dynamics of infectious diseases. This work will involve the integration of diverse data streams, including agent and pathogenesis studies, epidemiological, geographic, environmental, and movement data. Models may be used to forecast disease outbreaks, quantify drivers of disease spread, evaluate surveillance and intervention strategies, and support real-time outbreak response. The modeler will collaborate closely with government, industry, and academic partners and play a key role in translating modeling results into actionable recommendations for stakeholders. This position provides exceptional opportunities to engage with Kansas State University’s Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology (CORE) as well as the Center on Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (CEZID), enabling close integration of infectious disease modeling with high-containment research, animal models, and outbreak preparedness initiatives.

About Us

The Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is a leader in infectious disease prevention and control, combining cutting-edge research, data-driven decision-making, and strong partnerships with national and international stakeholders.

Kansas State University is a major land-grant research university located in Manhattan KS, a dynamic collegiate community of approximately 50,000 in the scenic Flint Hills of northeastern Kansas. The department, university, and community provide an excellent research environment. Our multidisciplinary teams operate at the interface of animal and human health, integrating epidemiology, mathematical modeling, computational biology, bioinformatics, and other disciplines to address urgent global health challenges. A key focus is the epidemiology and ecology of infectious diseases in animal and human populations, leveraging diverse datasets, advanced analytical methods, and innovative modeling approaches to study transmission dynamics and design effective control measures. Our research portfolio spans animal, zoonotic, foodborne, vector-borne and transboundary pathogens. We collaborate extensively with federal partners such as the USDA ARS National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility located in Manhattan, state agencies including the Kansas Department of Agriculture, as well as industry and academic institutions.

Manhattan consistently ranks as one of the top college-towns in the nation offering a wide variety of cultural and recreational opportunities in a friendly and welcoming community. The university offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, and liberal paid leave time. A complete listing of benefits can be viewed at: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Candidates must hold a PhD in Epidemiology, Applied Mathematics, Computational Biology, Applied Statistics, or a related discipline, with demonstrated expertise in infectious disease modeling and experience in the development and application of mathematical and statistical models. Proficiency in relevant programming or modeling languages such as R, Python, or C++ is required, along with a strong publication record and excellent communication skills for interdisciplinary work.

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Preferred qualifications include experience modeling zoonotic and transboundary animal diseases, integration of spatial, environmental, or movement data into modeling frameworks, and a track record of real-time modeling for outbreak response. Familiarity with livestock or food production systems and experience engaging with government, industry, or international partners on disease control policy are considered strong assets.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Interested candidates should submit a cover letter that includes specific information relevant to the applicant’s ability to meet the qualifications, a statement of research interests and goals, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least three references who have agreed to write letters of recommendation. Applications can be made online at https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/careers/.

Application Window

Applications close on: 03/11/2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$110,000 - $140,000

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.