USDA-ARS Research Fellowship Opportunity in Bacterial Respiratory Diseases

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-MW-2023-0012
How to Apply

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A complete application consists of:

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

Application Deadline
5/12/2023 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and LocationA research opportunity is currently available with the National Animal Disease Center within the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Ames, Iowa. 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.

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.

Research ProjectThe selected participant(s) will conduct research alongside members of the Swine Bacterial Respiratory Infections Project to investigate mechanisms used by respiratory bacterial pathogens, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus suis, and Glaesserella parasuis, to transmit, colonize, and cause disease.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be engaged in execution of technical methods, experimentation and procedures, collecting and analyzing results, maintaining physical and electronic data, and reporting findings via written and oral communications. The participant will interact as a team member with the scientists and other laboratory staff in all phases of the research process.

Learning Objectives

  • Genetically modify bacterial strains
  • Use molecular techniques and assays to evaluate host-pathogen interactions
  • Prepare for animal experiments, collect samples from live animals and at necropsy, and downstream processing of samples
  • Measure immune responses
  • Analyze DNA and RNA sequencing data to identify genetic elements that contribute to disease outcomes
  • Communicate research findings

Participant(s) will have the opportunity to attend and present at local and/or national meetings and publish in peer reviewed journals upon acceptance of research results.

Mentor(s)The mentors(s) for this opportunity is Tracy Nicholson (tracy.nicholson@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

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

Appointment LengthAppointment length will initially be up to one year, but may be renewed for up to four additional years upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

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

Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).

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.Midwest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion by May 29, 2026.

Preferred Skills:

  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to follow a well-written protocol
  • Basic understanding of how to prepare solutions
  • Familiarity with nucleic acid extraction and/or cell culture
  • Exposure to large, food animals and willingness to participate in animal studies
  • Good interpersonal and public speaking skills
  • Enthusiastic and self-motivated with good communication skills and a strong work ethic
  • Technical writing in English for peer-reviewed publications.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/29/2026 12:00:00 AM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (40 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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