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 veterinary research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, IA.  The selected applicant will conduct research on the transmission, differentiation, and pathobiology of prion disease in livestock and laboratory animal models.  The applicant will have the opportunity to participate in studies that are designed to develop new diagnostic techniques for prion disease and test shedding and transmission of prion disease agents.  Participation may include examinations or procedures on live animals, collecting samples at necropsy, laboratory assays for the detection of abnormal prion protein, and microscopic assessment of tissues for lesions associated with prion diseases.  This environment offers opportunities to learn laboratory procedures such as western blot, enzyme immunoassay, immunohistochemistry, and in vitro assays for prion infectivity; to interact with scientists and technicians within the group to develop new projects; to develop clinical skills with livestock and rodents; 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 is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience as well as a monthly health insurance stipend supplement. 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, 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.

Applicants must have degree in veterinary science/medicine (DVM or equivalent) from an AVMA accredited institution. In addition, a MS and/or PhD in a field of veterinary medicine is preferred but not required.

Preferred Skills:

• Have experience with laboratory assays such as immunohistochemistry, PCR, ELISA, and western blot.
• Have training and experience in gross necropsy techniques, postmortem tissue collection, and processing of samples for microscopic examination.
• Have experience working in biocontainment laboratories and animal facilities.

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (9 )