USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Analyzing the Impact on Ticks Harboring Tick Borne Pathogens

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-2022-0185
How to Apply

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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

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

Application Deadline
7/4/2022 2:38:46 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and LocationA research opportunity is currently available with the Animal Disease Research Unit within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Pullman, Washington.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

Research Project: The participant will take a lead role in measuring metabolic activity and energetic consequences of infection in tick vectors. The participant will analyze multiple tick-borne pathogens which cause bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis to map the impact of these on tick biology and physiology. The participant will use techniques in respirometry, and thermal biology, to understand the role of infection on tick physiology and the subsequent impacts on the pathogen-tick-host interactions. 

Learning ObjectivesUnder the guidance of a mentor, participant activities will include:

  • Learning techniques in advanced organismal respirometry and thermal tolerance biology
  • Collaborating closely with other researchers in ADRU and at Washington State University
  • Receiving mentoring in scientific oral and written communication
  • Presenting research results at scientific conferences

Mentor(s)The mentor for this opportunity is Susan Noh (susan.noh@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 1, 2022. Start date subject to change based on a variety of reasons, and start date may be flexible to accommodate the needs of a qualified candidate. 

Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for two years, but may be extended upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

ORISE InformationThis 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. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, 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.

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

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

  • Experience with metabolic measurement systems 
  • Experience in thermal tolerance physiology
  • Experience in data analysis in R programming language
  • Previous experience in arthropod physiology or ecology 
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (5 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (3 )
    • Engineering (2 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (4 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (31 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (4 )
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