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THE DEPARTMENT'S MISSION includes establishing a world-class research and teaching department focusing on infectious diseases that effect both animals and humans. We address this mission by training graduate and professional students who are interested in obtaining Masters or PhD Degrees in Infectious Diseases.
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: IMMUNOLOGIST TENURE TRACK
The Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor position in immunology. Applicants must have a PhD, DVM or MD, post-doctoral experience and evidence of research accomplishments. Of special interest are investigators with research programs in the immunology of infectious diseases, vaccine development or related areas. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a nationally recognized and externally funded research program and contribute to teaching in the professional and graduate curricula. More information
UGA-IPRIC DVM/PHD TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Training Program at the University of Georgia (UGA), College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), will introduce academically talented veterinary professionals to cutting edge research with mentors capable of inspiring them toward careers in biomedical research. Veterinarians are ideally trained to recognize animal models of emerging and zoonotic disease, and are needed in the disciplines of public health and food safety. This Training Program is designed to capture the interest of veterinarians at a formative time in their careers and help them develop into independent investigators capable of addressing the burgeoning medical problems associated with influenza virus. More information
PATHOGENESIS AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER SEEKS ADVANCED POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWS, JUNIOR FACULTY, OR ESTABLISHED INVESTIGATORS
The Influenza Pathogenesis and Immunology Research Center (IPIRC) seeks to enhance the career development of investigators focused on basic research in influenza virus pathogenesis and immunology. There is a high level interest at academic instituitions, industry, and the US government, which also insures that investigators trained in these disciples will have productive career pathways upon completion of their training. More information
PARASITOLOGY ANNOUNCEMENT: PARASITOLOGIST TENURE TRACK
The Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position in parasitology. Applicants must have a PhD, DVM or MD, post-doctoral experience and evidence of research accomplishments. Of special interest are investigators with research programs in molecular helminthology and/or filariasis. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a nationally recognized and externally funded research program and contribute to teaching in the professional and graduate curricula. More information
COMBINED VETERINARY CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY RESIDENCY AND PHD TRAINING
The goal of the combined veterinary clinical microbiology residency and PhD program is to provide post-DVM training leading to a PhD degree and eligibility for verification with the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists. The program will emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to research and diagnosis of infectious diseases. Funding will be provided for five years, at the end of which, candidates should have fulfilled the requirements for the PhD degree in infectious diseases and met the eligibility requirements for taking the ACVM examination. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates should have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to: a) conduct independent research in infectious diseases; b) supervise a veterinary diagnostic laboratory; c) serve as a faculty member in a college of veterinary medicine.
If anyone is interested or knows of someone interested in applying, please contact Dr. Liliana Friedmann, Graduate Coordinator (ljaso@vet.uga.edu).
GRADUATE WORK FOR VETERINARIANS
In order to accomplish this mission, we actively recruit veterinarians for training in our graduate program. The MS and PhD program offers post DVM training in molecular research in the major areas of infectious diseases. Academic requirements include a DVM, a score of at least 1000 on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), and a GPA of at least 3.0. Foreign students must score at least 550 on the TOEFL. The Department of Infectious Diseases provides fellowships to US citizens who are accepted into the program. Currently, the fellowships include an annual stipend (ranging from $22,409 to $25,339 for MS and PhD candidates, respectively) and a tuition waiver. Contact the Department's Graduate Coordinator for more information.
GRADUATE WORK FOR NON-VETERINARIANS
Domestic applicants will be considered if they have obtained an undergraduate degree and/or Masters Degree in any biological science from an accredited institution. To be admitted as a PhD student without first holding an MS degree, a minimum score of 4300 must be obtained using the following formula: (GPA x 1000) + verbal GRE score + quantitative GRE score.
Foreign applicants will only be considered after the Graduate School has received transcripts of their education background and the GRE and TOEFL test scores.
POST-GRADUATE WORK
Postdoctoral research positions are also available for DVM PhD applicants who wish to further develop their molecular research skills in veterinary science. These positions will also include grant and manuscript writing experience and will provide opportunities to guest lecture in the undergraduate, graduate, or professional curriculum.
AREAS OF RESEARCH INTEREST
The threat to animal and human health posed by emerging infectious diseases is a matter of grave concern. These diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming at least 17 million human lives and indeterminable numbers of domesticated and wild animals each year. A majority of these infections are zoonotic, including almost all bioterror agents. These vast disease burdens place a great strain on the already overburdened public and animal health services, and create a substantial socio-economic burden for rich and poor alike. These agents also impact global security by threatening the provision of food for an increasing world population and interrupting international trade and economic growth. The potential use of pathogens as agents of bioterrorism is a familiar and greatly feared possibility that has now become a part of our daily lives.
In the past 10 years the world has had to respond to several important diseases that have appeared abruptly and without warning. A SARS-associated corona virus that killed 774 people was identified in some domestic and wildlife species, Nipah virus leapt from bats to pigs, influenza viruses from birds threaten to cause a massive flu pandemic similar to the one experienced in 1918, and the West Nile virus entered the United States, killing birds, horses and humans. In addition, naturally occurring zoonotic diseases such as anthrax, tuberculosis and antimicrobial-resistant organisms have emerged in part due to the use of antimicrobials for disease prevention and growth promotion of several domesticated animal species. Finally, the U.S. and other countries remain vulnerable to agro-terrorism with agents such as foot and mouth disease. All of these new developments emphasize the need for a continuum of scientific interdisciplinary approaches to respond to and control these microbial threats. It is imperative that those in human, animal, agricultural and environmental sciences work together to address threats associated with emerging infectious diseases. The Department of Infectious Diseases (ID) and College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) plan to be at the forefront of programs and efforts to deal with emerging infectious diseases.
NEW ORGANIZATIONS AND FACILITIES
North Georgia is rapidly becoming well-known in the U.S. for its research in emerging infectious diseases and biodefense. Investigators from our department are intimately involved in these efforts. Neighbors and partners include the CDC, Emory University Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Public Health, Southeastern Center for Emerging Biologic Threats (based at Emory), Southeastern Research Center for Excellence in Biodefense (based at Emory), Southeastern Poultry Research Laboratory (USDA, Athens), the Georgia Research Alliance and a number of biotechnology industries including Merck-Merial, Chemicon International, and Alnylam, Inc.
A number of new UGA facilities and organizations are at the center of our research and teaching efforts in infectious diseases.
Animal Health Resource Center (AHRC) Paul D. Coverdell Biomedical Research Building and the Biomedical and Sciences Institute (BHSI) Center for Disease Intervention (CDI) Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases (CTEGD) Veterinary Diagnostic Research Laboratory
The AHRC is scheduled for re-commissioning in January 2006. This state-of-the-art building is designed to provide 75,000 ft2 of BSL2, BSL3, and BSL3Ag animal containment space that can be easily adapted to house a variety of animal species, including small (e.g. rodents and fowl) and large (e.g. ruminants and horses) animals. In addition to the animal holding space, there are 10,000 ft2 of BSL3 and BSL3Ag laboratory research space and a BSL3 flow cytometry facility. The AHRC will house interdisciplinary research in immunology, virology, parasitology, bacteriology, vector-borne diseases and other fields, bringing together investigators throughout the southeastern U.S. This facility is located on the CVM campus and most research personnel are affiliated with the department.
The vision of the BHSI is to support and facilitate the coalescence and expansion of interdisciplinary scientific activities in the biomedical and human health fields at UGA. The BHSI central offices and core research programs will be located in the new 200,000 ft2 Paul D. Coverdell Center for Biomedical Research, which is slated to open early in 2006. The BHSI aims to increase the breadth and intensity of the University’s biomedical and health-related research, interconnect UGA programs in these fields, and assist in securing extramural funding to support the research programs. Our department and college are charter members of the BHSI, with two of the four divisions currently being chaired by CVM faculty. Additionally, the department and college plan to move research faculty members into the Coverdell Center and make a large investment in the MRI facility in order to improve hospital clinical services and research capabilities. The Coverdell Building with BHSI offices is located directly across DW Brooks Drive from the CVM main building.
The CDI provides a multi-disciplinary platform to facilitate EID and select agent research and product development among UGA investigators, public health institutions, and private companies. Personnel affiliated with the CDI include veterinarians, bacteriologists, virologists, immunologists, epidemiologists, statisticians, students and laboratory technologists from UGA, as well as adjunct faculty and collaborators from other neighboring organizations. The CDI was initially formed by ID investigators and will be located in the AHRC.
The CTEGD is a university-wide, interdisciplinary center that was formed to foster research, educational programs and service related to tropical and emerging diseases. Based on a strong foundation of parasitology, immunology, cellular and molecular biology, and genetics, the CTEGD currently includes investigators from several colleges on campus, including the CVM. Center faculty are engaged in a wide range of research programs that focus largely on the immunology, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology of protozoan and metazoan parasites and their vectors. Currently, three ID faculty are members of the CTEGD.
The Diagnostic Laboratory is equipped with BSL2 and BSL3 suites that can be used for the analysis of emerging infectious diseases and biodefense pathogens, thus providing an important link to campus clinical and primary reference resources.
The Department of Infectious Diseases actively recruits veterinarians for training in our graduate program. The MS and PhD program offers post DVM training in molecular research in the major areas of infectious diseases.
North Georgia is rapidly becoming well-known in the U.S. for its research in emerging infectious diseases and biodefense. Investigators from our department are intimately involved in these efforts.
It is imperative that those in human, animal, agricultural and environmental sciences work together to address threats associated with emerging infectious diseases. The Department of Infectious Diseases (ID) and College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) plan to be at the forefront of programs and efforts to deal with emerging infectious diseases.