USDA-ARS Biological Sciences Research Opportunity

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location:  A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) 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.

Research Project: The selected participant will support ongoing research on the transmission, differentiation, and pathobiology of prion disease in livestock and laboratory animal models. This research group focuses on understanding the development of prion disease in natural host species (cattle, sheep, goats, deer), testing the potential for prion agents to pass between species, and developing new diagnostic methodologies.

Learning Objectives: The participant will have the opportunity to learn by engaging in research activities that will include the experimental inoculation of animals, collection of ante- and postmortem samples, analysis of macro- and microscopic lesions, testing samples for abnormal prion protein, and the use of molecular techniques to characterize prion agents.

Mentor(s): The mentor(s) for this opportunity is Justin Greenlee (justin.greenlee@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research project, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 2023. 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 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. The current stipend for this opportunity is $37,900 - $39,795 per year (equal to $3,158 - $3,316 per month).

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

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 have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past twelve months.