Overview
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis. The mentor for this opportunity is actively reviewing applications as they are submitted.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center (NADC), Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit (IBDRU) located in Ames, Iowa.
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.
The mission of National Animal Disease Center is to conduct basic and applied research on selected diseases of economic importance to the
U.S. livestock and poultry industries. National Animal Disease Center: USDA ARS
Research Project: The educational opportunity involves performing research under the guidance of a USDA scientist on alternatives to antibiotics for bacterial diseases of cattle. This research encompasses novel antimicrobials or biocides, vaccines and immune enhancements to combat digital dermatitis, mastitis, Leptospirosis, Brucellosis and Tuberculosis.
Learning Objectives: The selected participant will learn and conduct bacteriological, molecular, and immunological assays and analyses in the investigation of bacterial pathogenesis, bovine immunology and the development of antibiotic alternatives.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Jenny Wilson-Welder (jennifer.wilson-welder@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: As soon as a qualified candidate is identified. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed for up to two additional years upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. A Health Insurance Supplement will also be provided.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Midwest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years or is to be received by December 31, 2024.
Preferred skills:
Growth, isolation, and handling of bacterial cultures
Wet lab experience (e.g. pipetting)
Basic molecular biology (e.g. DNA or RNA extractions, qPCR)
Good interpersonal skills
Enthusiastic, independent and self-motivated
Livestock handling experience helpful but not essential
