USDA-ARS Summer Internship on the Absorption, Distribution, and Metabolism of Novel Feed Additives Used to Improve Gastrointestinal Health of Poultry

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location:  A biological science training opportunity is available with the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Biosciences Research Laboratory located in Fargo, North Dakota.

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 laboratory is engaged in a variety of research projects directed towards understanding the fate and disposition of chemicals in food animals and(or) animal products. This project seeks to provide training/experience to an individual interested in research on the absorption and quantitative analyses of feed additives developed for the poultry industry.

The presence of pathogens within the normal gut biota is considered a high-risk factor for contamination of animal carcasses at slaughter and during carcass processing. Factors which enable pathogen colonization in live animals are considered ripe targets for developing pathogen mitigation strategies. Conversely, factors which reduce the ability of a pathogen to colonize gastrointestinal tracts are also targets for pre-harvest pathogen intervention strategies. Many naturally occurring organic acids and mixtures of glycerol-esters of organic acids inhibit colonization of bacterial pathogens in poultry intestines. Although some organic acid esters are believed to directly inhibit pathogens, other data suggest that organic acid esters enhance the effectiveness of a bird’s immune system. Direct action of glycerol esters on pathogens would require activity in the gastrointestinal tract, whereas immune system enhancement would suggest the absorption of intact glycerol esters. An ongoing study is designed to determine whether bioactive glycerol monoesters are absorbed intact, or whether they are metabolized in the GI tract prior to absorption.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the ORISE participant may expect to materially participate in laboratory and animal studies, to extract and quantify small molecule analytes in tissues, and to summarize data in meaningful data tables. Successful efforts will enhance participant understanding of, and skills in:

• Use of cryogenic methods for tissue processing;
• Analyte extraction;
• Quantitative analyses using heavy isotope labeled internal standards;
• Chromatographic techniques to characterize purity and identity of chemical compounds;
• Quantitative mass spectrometry; and
• Data analyses and summary.

ORISE participants may expect to gain a broad technical skill set valuable for use in variety of academic, private sector, and(or) governmental laboratories.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is David Smith (david.j.smith@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 2024; however, start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 3-4 months 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 education and experience. Monthly stipend range: $2,720; including a health insurance stipend. A dislocation allowance may be included in some instances.

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.

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 bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields or be currently pursuing the degree. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:

• Experience with food animals (poultry), analytical chemistry, and/or data summary and analysis is highly desirable.
• Tissue extractions, liquid chromatography, and/or quantitative analysis.
• Candidates should preferably be highly motivated individuals dedicated to contributing time and ideas in an interdisciplinary environment which includes the food and animal sciences, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry.
• Candidates should preferably have good interpersonal skills and a strong desire to learn.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.