Preparing Veterinarians to Lead Diagnostic Laboratories

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A complete application 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. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. 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 recommendations. At least one recommendation must be received in order for the mentor to view your application.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting will remain open until filled.

APHIS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Ohio Department of Agriculture Animal Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory located in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Research Project: The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) supports U.S. animal agriculture by developing and increasing the capabilities and capacities of a national veterinary diagnostic laboratory network to support early detection, rapid response, and appropriate recovery from high-consequence animal diseases. It is a nationally coordinated network and partnership of Federal, State, and university-associated animal health laboratories. NAHLN veterinary diagnostic laboratories provide animal health diagnostic testing to detect biological threats to the nation’s food animals, thus protecting animal health, public health, and the nation's food supply. They provide the capability to diagnose both endemic and foreign high-consequence livestock pathogens in animals and environmental samples and are likely to be the first-line laboratories for recognition of an intentionally or accidentally introduced agent in animals. Leadership roles in the NAHLN laboratories are essential to maintain the high level of service provided to animal agriculture industries in support of overall animal health. This opportunity focuses on training veterinarians in skills that are critical for leadership roles in diagnostic laboratories such as quality assurance programs, validation and verification of diagnostic assays, evidence-based approaches to reducing error and improving laboratory workflows. 

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Christina Loiacono (Christina.m.loiacono@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentors.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: As soon as a qualified candidate is identified.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year but may be renewed upon recommendation of APHIS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant(s) will receive a monthly stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment. The annual stipend rate will be determined upon selection and will range between $60,000 and $70,000. Relocation expenses are not available. Candidates will be eligible to receive a health insurance reimbursement.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information: 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 APHIS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, APHIS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

This is an equal opportunity program open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email USDA-APHIS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a veterinary medical degree.

Preferred skills:

• Proficiency in technical writing, oral communication, interpersonal and organization skills, as well as critical thinking skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral presentations and writing used to make presentations that include seminars and training
• Demonstrate flexibility and self-motivation to complete assigned tasks
• Eagerness to learn from peers and to work in a team environment
• Knowledge of data sets, data quality and data analysis in order to integrate accurate data sets with complementary national data sources and support analysis needs of the program
• Knowledge of diagnostic laboratory practices and work flow including general process of receiving samples, testing and reporting results

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )