Summer Internship Biodefense Research Opportunities in Foreign Animal Disease – USDA – PIADC - APHIS
A complete application consists of:
- An application
- A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
- 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.
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 Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL). FADDL is one of the USDA-APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).
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. One of the missions of FADDL is to perform diagnoses and develop technologies to help mitigate the risks of catastrophic economic losses caused by foreign animal disease (FAD) agents accidentally or deliberately introduced into the United States. Research is performed in a Bio-Safety Level 3 containment laboratory and animal facility.
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.
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. Appointments are for the summer (10-12 weeks).
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.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have or be completing an undergraduate (B.A., B.S. 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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