A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional references

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

A research opportunity is available with the the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Avian Disease and Oncology Research Unit (ADORU) in East Lansing, Michigan.

The selected applicant will conduct research on the role of host genetic resistance and vaccination on transmission of Marek’s disease virus in poultry.  The applicant will have the opportunity to be involved in studies that are designed to develop a long-term strategy for reducing environmental virus load by selecting for birds that shed less virus. Participation may include examinations and collecting samples from live poultry, assisting with necropsy, laboratory assays for the detection of virus, and data analysis.  This environment offers opportunities to learn laboratory procedures such as DNA isolation, conventional and real-time PCR, and cell culture for virus propagation; to interact with scientists and technicians within the group to develop new projects; to develop clinical skills with poultry; and to enhance proficiency in veterinary pathology.

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. The initial appointment ends mid-January 2019, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend of $2,782.83 as well as a health insurance stipend supplment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with ARS, this position requires a pre-appointment check and a full background investigation.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, legal 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.

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

All candidates should have a bachelor's degree as indicated below.

Preferred Skills:

• Able to assist with the research of microbiology and molecular biology procedures relating to viral infections and diseases.
• Assist in the analyses for molecular biology (i.e. DNA isolation, convention and real-time PCR, DNA sequence analysis).
• Adapt, modify or develop new techniques or procedures to satisfy the handling of animals in research or veterinary setting.
• Tabulate and statistically analyze and summarize data using personal computer and software packages.

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (10 )