USDA-APHIS Internship in Veterinary/Microbiology Laboratories

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

APHIS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), located in Ames, Iowa.

Diagnostics Bacteriology and Pathology laboratory (DPBL), Diagnostic Virology Laboratory (DVL) and Diagnostic, Bioanalytical, and Reagent Laboratory (DBRL) are individual laboratory units within the National Veterinary Services Laboratories. NVSL is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its primary responsibility is to provide diagnostic services to federal, state, and private veterinarians in the U.S. DBPL/DVL/DBRL primary responsibility is to provide mission support and play a key role in advancement of fundamental science related to bacterial and viral pathogen and diagnostic methods development.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is a multi-faceted Agency with a broad mission area that includes protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act and carrying out wildlife damage management activities. These efforts support the overall mission of USDA, which is to protect and promote food, agriculture, natural resources and related issues. APHIS' mission also includes addressing issues such as wildlife damage and disease management; regulation of genetically engineered crops and animal welfare; and protection of public health and safety as well as natural resources that are vulnerable to invasive pests and pathogens.

Research Project:  The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) is offering students part time internship opportunities to prepare them for a career as a biological sciences technician (BSLT) or in partial preparation for a microbiologist career in laboratory diagnostic medicine.

Learning Objectives: The interns will receive training in pathogen handling and testing in biological safety level (BSL) 3, and BSL 2 laboratories. Interns will learn and understand the specialized rules associated with select agents, the requirements and documentation needed to operate in an ISO7025 accredited laboratory, as well have the opportunity to support the day-to-day operation in a laboratory. 

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Karthik Shanmuganatham (karthik.k.shanmuganatham@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2024/2025.  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 APHIS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is part 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) only.

Background Investigation Requirements: Adjudication of a Special Agency Check (SAC) is required before the selected candidate can start. Paperwork for this clearance will be sent to the selected candidate after acceptance of the official offer from ORAU.

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 APHIS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, APHIS, 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.

This is an equal opportunity program open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email USDA-APHIS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in the one of the relevant fields (e.g. Biotechnology, Microbiology, and/or Biology).

Activities are performed in a BSL-2/3 laboratory. Interacting with pathogenic agents mandates the use of biocontainment hoods and wearing personal protective gear, which is strenuous on the individual. 

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• Coursework in Biology with emphasis on Microbiological nomenclature
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Methodical and logical approach
• Ability to collaborate in a team
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of biological concepts

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Currently pursuing an Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree.