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.

A postgraduate research opportunity in wetland biogeochemistry is available with the the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Livestock Behavior Research Unit (LBRU) in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Social stress-induced feather pecking and cannibalism and stress-damaged skeletal health leading to osteoporosis, as eminent causes of hen suffering and mortality, occur in all egg production systems. Beak trimming (removal of 1/3 to 1/2 of the beak)  is a common practice used for reducing social stress and preventing injurious behaviors. However, beak trimming causes tissue damage, exposing billions of hens to pain annually. We hypothesize that dietary supplementation of probiotics is an alternative method to prevent injurious behaviors and osteoporosis by repairing stress-disrupted functions of the intestinal microbiota via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

This program provides a great opportunity for the participant to expand their knowledge base and develop a variety of tools pertinent to his or her future professorial career. The participant will be involved in reference search, study design, care of research animals, and collection and analysis of tissue samples. Through the proposed study, the fellow will gain: 1) experience and skills in developing scientific research; 2) problem-solving skills via conducting the project with hands-on experience and on-the-job training; and 3) communication skills via attending scientific meetings and workshops.

The appointment is full-time for 12 months, and may be renewed based upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding.  The selected applicant will receive a monthly stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment.  Stipend rates are determined by ARS officials, and are based on the applicant’s academic and professional background.  The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance.  Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. 

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, ARS, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

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, 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.

To be eligible, applicants should have a PhD in animal science with training in farm animal physiology, health and welfare, especially in poultry (layers).

The ideal candidate will have experience in:

• Poultry behavior observation;
• Hormonal analysis using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography), PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and RIA (radioimmunoassay);
• Measure of skeletal health by using DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry)

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (2 )