USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Prion Disease of Livestock

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-2022-0191
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. 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
3/1/2023 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline.

ARS Office/Lab and LocationA postdoctoral research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, IA.

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 ProjectThe selected participant will conduct research on the transmission, differentiation, and pathobiology of prion disease in livestock and laboratory animal models. The participant will have the opportunity to contribute research to studies that are designed to develop new diagnostic techniques for prion disease, test shedding and transmission of prion disease agents, and further characterize the progression of prion disease in natural hosts. Participation may include collecting samples at necropsy, laboratory assays for the detection of abnormal prion protein, and development or refinement of protocols for the microscopic assessment of tissues for lesions associated with prion diseases. 

Learning ObjectivesThis environment offers opportunities to learn laboratory procedures such as western blot, enzyme immunoassay, immunohistochemistry, and in vitro assays for prion infectivity; to interact with scientists and technicians within the group to develop new projects; and to develop clinical skills with livestock and rodents.

USDA-ARS Contact: If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact Justin Greenlee (justin.greenlee@usda.gov).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring 2023. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of the mentor and ARS, and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend The participant(s) 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. If you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.ARS.Midwest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received or is currently pursuing a doctoral or veterinary degree in one of the relevant fields listed below (e.g. Biomedical Sciences, Immunobiology, Neuroscience). 

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (11 )
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