USDA-ARS Research Fellowship on Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccines
*Applications are 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 Manhattan, Kansas.
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 National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS is a state-of-the-art facility operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that is designed to help protect the nation’s agriculture, farmers and citizens against the threat and potential impact of serious animal diseases. The Biologics Development Module (BDM) is a unique applied research laboratory space within NBAF tasked with the mission of transitioning research developments into products. The BDM operates at a BSL-2 level of biosafety and is equipped to provide the needed functions to de-risk veterinary countermeasure product development.
Research Project: The BDM is researching, in collaboration with other USDA researchers, to develop and commercialize technology for improved vaccines and diagnostics for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The technology has been used to develop several successful vaccine candidates and now needs to undergo further product development, including scale up and commercialization. This project will consist of deriving candidate virus strains and transfer of the technology to external partners for product commercialization.
The participants will collaborate on this project under the guidance of the Director of the Biologics Development Module. They will provide research and analysis of new FMD virus strains for diagnostic and vaccine development.
Learning Objectives: Learning opportunities for the participant include: development of skills in molecular biology techniques, good aseptic techniques, derivation of vaccine candidates for FMD; learn about developing biological products in a regulated environment; learn strategies for technology transfer from public labs to private partners; introduction to current Good Manufacturing Practices.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Steven Witte (steven.witte@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March 2026. 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 anticipated stipend range is $55,897 - $105,384 annually.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens 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.Plains@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields.
Preferred skills:
- Experience with molecular biology cloning techniques, mammalian cell culture, virus propagation; good aseptic technique is highly desired.
- Experience in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory recommended.
- Experience with molecular assays or testing is beneficial.
Stipend
$55,897.00 – $105,384.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.