Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Poultry Diseases

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-EPVDRU-536-0019-02
How to Apply

A complete application package consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.  Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded.  All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation.  Click Here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV
  • Two references – While two references are requested, applications will be considered without reference information.  It is preferred that a complete application package contains a minimum of one reference.

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

Description

A postgraduate research opportunity in poultry diseases is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) US National Poultry Research Center, Endemic Poultry Viral Diseases Research Unit (EPVDRU) in Athens, Georgia.

The participant will be involved  the avian herpesvirus vectorlogy project that discover the safe and effective vaccine platforms to provide improved protection against poultry diseases.

The participant will be involved in the research process by learning to perform technical assays, and conducts  a variety of fundamental and applied studies needed to diagnose, control and eradicate endemic poultry diseases.

The participant will collect, prepare, evaluate and verify samples and supporting records, as well as, maintain records and compile data and other information from various sources.  The participant will also keep detailed records of experimental data, tabulate, and statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software programs.

The participant will maintain inventory of chemicals, stock solutions, etc., prepare solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, glassware preparation and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological) with general laboratory maintenance.

The participant will learn how to operate and maintain specialized equipment, automated systems, and associated software (i.e., PCR thermocycler, spectrophotometer, photo documentation system, Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100, electrophoresis apparatus, centrifuges, autoclaves, etc.).

The participant will learn to propagate viruses, and biological, molecular characterization with various techniques (e.g., cell culture, DNA/RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction, molecular cloning, restriction endonuclease digestion, gel electrophoresis, western blotting, fluorescence microscopy, immunoassay, next generation sequencing)

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and USDA ARS. The initial appointment is for six months, but may be renewed upon recommendation of USDA ARS contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time. Participants do not become employees of USDA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

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.

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

 

Qualifications

Applicants should be a postgraduate in life science curriculum (biology, virology, molecular biology, poultry science, infectious diseases, veterinary etc.).

Specialized experience in the following is high desirable but not required:

  • Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments.
  • Ability to perform molecular biological, microbiological (viruses, bacteria) and/or immunological methods and procedures.
  • Strong background in theory and operation of DNA and RNA amplification techniques, molecular cloning and expression techniques, protein biochemistry methods and cultivation of viruses
  • Experience(s) in using sequence analysis softwares, including DNAstar Lasergene, MEGA, Geneious is  a plus
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Highly motivated, dependable and well-organized individual who is also a good team player
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 36 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (10 )