Biodefense Research Opportunities in Foreign Animal Disease – USDA – PIADC

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
PIADC-USDA-GEN-2017-0001
How to Apply

A complete application package consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – 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.

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.

Description

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 Research Unit at PIADC.

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 PIADC is to 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 https://www.orau.gov/piadc.

Research opportunities are full-time, normally for one year, and may be renewed for up to four additional years upon recommendation of the PIADC.  Appointments are contingent on the availability of funds.  The selected applicant 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 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, PIADC, 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.

This is an open continuous announcement that will be used to collect applications from applicants.  These applications will be used to fill vacancies as they become available. 

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Have or be completing an undergraduate (B.A., B.S. or equivalent) or graduate (M.S., DVM, Ph.D., MD 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.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (2 )