Biodefense Postdoctoral Opportunity in Veterinary Molecular Epidemiology – USDA - PIADC
A complete application consists of:
- An application
- A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
- Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
If you have questions, send an email to piadc@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.
The Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) Research Participation Program offers biodefense research opportunities to motivated students and postgraduates interested in developing novel strategies to control foreign animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever virus (ASFV). Positions are with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit (FADRU) at PIADC.
The postdoctoral research position in veterinary molecular epidemiology will primarily involve conducting research related to viral molecular evolution, descriptive epidemiology, and pathogenesis of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) working within the PIADC BSL-3 containment laboratory. The emphasis will be on endemic FMDV ecology and the role of asymptomatic carriers as potential reservoirs. Some travel to study sites in endemic regions may be required. The position is available immediately and is funded for 1 year, with the opportunity of renewal for up to 5 years.
PIADC is the only U.S. laboratory facility performing research, development and diagnosis of foreign animal diseases of highest threat to the U.S. This critical national asset is located off the northeast coast of Long Island, NY, and accessible by government-provided ferry from Orient Point, NY, and Old Saybrook, CT. Research at PIADC is performed on animal diseases that threaten the nation's animal industries and exports. One of the missions of FADRU is to investigate foreign animal diseases (FADs) in their endemic settings to help mitigate the risks of catastrophic economic losses caused by these pathogens in the event of accidental or deliberate introduction to the United States.
This program is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate.
For additional information about the PIADC Research Participation Program, please see http://www.orau.gov/piadc. For additional information about the postdoctoral opportunity in veterinary molecular epidemiology, please contact Dr. Jonathan Arzt at jonathan.arzt@ars.usda.gov.
Participant Benefits
Selected candidates will receive a stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment. Stipend rates are determined by PIADC officials and are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background. Candidates will also be eligible to receive a health insurance allowance and reimbursement for travel expenses. Appointments are for one year. Appointments may be extended in increments of up to one year, contingent upon project needs and funding availability. The maximum length of time a participant can spend in the ORISE program is five years from the initial appointment start date.
Nature of the Appointment
Participants will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, 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.
The candidate should be a highly motivated and energetic molecular epidemiologist seeking a special opportunity to develop expertise in foreign animal disease of livestock while serving to protect the security of our nation. The candidate must have a Ph.D. and/or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) training. Dual degree status - i.e. holding both a Ph.D. and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree from a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA) - is desired but not required. Advanced training in molecular virology, epidemiology, or pathology is highly desired. Clinical and/or research experience with livestock is also desirable.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have or be pursuing a doctoral (DVM, Ph.D. or equivalent) degree in veterinary medicine, pathology, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, virology, epidemiology, computational biology, biostatistics, or other discipline related to foreign animal diseases.
- Have or be eligible to obtain a security clearance.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, or be eligible for a J-1 visa, if a foreign national.
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