USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Associate in Animal Health Genomics

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis, and this opportunity could close before the application deadline.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A postdoctoral research opportunity is currently available within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) with the Animal Health Genomics Research Unit located in Clay Center, Nebraska. 

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 mission of the Animal Health Genomics Research Unit is to investigate the genomes and molecular biology of host-pathogen interactions in livestock and identify strategies for reducing the impact of diseases in cattle, swine, and sheep.

Research Project: The overall goal of the research program is to evaluate the role of host and pathogen genetics in viral disease susceptibility and to generate knowledge that can be used for the selection and/or targeted genetic manipulation of animals to enhance virus resistance, improve animal health and well-being, and enhance producer efficiency. This postdoctoral appointment will support current research efforts focused on bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) due to its significant impact on the cattle industry and involvement in bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). The objective of this research is to use gene-editing in vitro to determine critical host-pathogen interaction sites that are essential for BVDV to attack host cells and cause disease. 

Learning Objectives: The postdoctoral research associate will will assist in planning and carrying out laboratory experiments, conducting statistical and bioinformatic analyses, interpreting results, and reporting original research.  In addition, the postdoctoral research associate will have access to a variety of professional development opportunities, including training workshops, seminars, and conferences that will allow for networking with other scientists and researchers from all over the world.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Aspen Workman (aspen.workman@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 2024.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for two years 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 $69,107 per year plus a $6,703 health insurance supplement and $3,000 travel allowance.

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

Qualifications

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:

• The ideal applicant will have experience with cell culture and handling BSL-2 pathogens.