USDA-ARS Internship on African Swine Fever Virus Genomics

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-P-2023-0034
How to Apply

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A complete application consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
  • Two educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Application Deadline
6/9/2023 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and LocationA research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS). This appointment will be fully remote.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA'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.  

Research Project: This appointment is to gain experience in virus genomics specific to the agriculture industry. Including protein structure prediction for emerging pathogens and predicting functional models for protein-protein interactions. Analyzing sequencing of large and complex genomes, information gathered will be released to researchers though a web-based platform design. This appointment is part-time, 10hrs/week during the school year, and full time in the summer.  

Learning Objectives: 

  • Gain experience in protein structure prediction using DNA sequence of unknown emerging pathogens.
  • Take predicted structures and validate using literature searches and wet lab data.
  • Learn programing skills in a Linux environment including programing in R. 
  • Analyze raw sequencing data provided for emerging pathogens, to determine variants and potential new strains that could escape vaccination programs.
  • Develop web-based portals for individual users based on functional need.
  • Design web-based platforms for dissemination of public information.

Mentor(s)The mentor for this opportunity is Douglas Gladue (douglas.gladue@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March 1, 2023.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds. 

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is part-time (10 hours per week) during the school year, and full time (40 hours per week) in the summer.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

ORISE InformationThis 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.Plains@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a High School Diploma/GED or be currently pursuing the degree with completion before July 1, 2023. The qualified candidate must also be pursuing a college degree in the Fall of 2023.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in web site design, Linux, programing languages such as R.
  • Experience developing new tools to evaluate complex datasets. 
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: High School Diploma/GED.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (2 )