Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Immune Responses to Tuberculosis Infection of Cattle

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-2019-0102
How to Apply

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

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.

Application Deadline
9/3/2019 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center located in Ames, Iowa.

The project will be to characterize immunologic responses in cattle or other animal reservoirs to infection with tuberculosis and/or responses to vaccination with tuberculosis vaccines. Techniques utilized for characterization may include, but are not limited to: assays to measuring cytokine gene expression and transcription, flow cytometry, high throughput sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis in addition to standard microbiological and pathology procedures. The overall goal of the project is to develop novel intervention strategies that prevent or control tuberculosis in domestic livestock or other reservoir hosts.

The selected participant will learn techniques for characterizing immunologic responses to tuberculosis vaccines as a screening tool for selecting vaccine candidates that may be efficacious in protecting domestic livestock against infectious with virulent strains of Mycobacterium bovis. The participant will also gain experience in conducting research with zoonotic agents and handling and sampling large animals under Biolevel 3 containment.

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. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at ARS in the Ames, Iowa, area. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

The selected participant will need to be able to pass a security check in accordance with USDA policies. The participant will also need to be able to be medically cleared to wear respiratory protection in accordance with OSHA requirements. 

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, with experience in immune and/or bioinformatic analysis of immune responses to infectious disease in animal hosts.

Preferred skills:

  • Demonstrated proficiency in immunologic, molecular biology, microbiology, or pathology techniques that have resulted in authorship on peer-reviewed publications
  • Demonstrated experience related to tuberculosis and/or intracellular bacterial pathogens
  • Demonstrated experience in bioinformatic analysis of large data sets
  • Experience in conducting research with zoonotic pathogens under biolevel 3 conditions and sampling/handling of large animals (i.e. cattle, cervids)
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (3 )
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