USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Microbiologist or Molecular Biologist Fellowship

ARS Office/Lab and Location: Three research opportunities are currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) within the Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit 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.

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Research Project: The Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit uses existing and new molecular biological technologies to understand the virus-host-vector interactions, detect and control insect-transmitted viruses affecting livestock. The specific mission is to Identify and solve major endemic, emerging, and exotic/ transboundary arthropod-borne disease challenges in U.S. livestock.  This includes infecting, monitoring and determined infection and transmission rates of vector insects and/or host under various experimental conditions.  The analysis includes state-of-the art molecular analysis including next generation sequencing, transcriptomics and proteomics.  The participant will join the highly collaborative team as a member to conduct research on portions of the ongoing studies to meet the overall research goals related to foreign vector borne viral diseases of livestock, primary models being Japanese encephalitis virus and Rift Valley fever virus. 

Learning Objectives: These studies expand the participant's knowledge of molecular tools used to investigate virus-host and/or virus vector interactions.  The participate will also learn or gain additional experience in BSL-3 and ACL-3 containment safety protocols which are required for some of these studies.  Opportunities will be available to learn how to perform microbiological experiment with large animal experimental studies and/or manipulation of insects.

The NBAF is a new facility with housing units from both Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).  During the startup of this facility several symposia are being held, which will attract international expertise in transboundary and zoonotic diseases. There are also international field projects ongoing which will allow the participant an opportunity expand their scientific network.  The participant will be expected to attend national and potentially international scientific meetings to gain experience presenting data.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 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.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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.

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields or be currently pursuing the degree with completion before the appointment start date.

Preferred Skills: