USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Avian Influenza Virology, Pathobiology, and Vaccinology

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-2022-0336
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.

Description

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: Three postdoctoral research opportunities are currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), within the Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit at the U.S, National Poultry Research Center located in Athens, Georgia.

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 Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases unit is part of the USDA-ARS, US National Poultry Research Center. It engages in research to prevent and control high consequence diseases of poultry in order to ensure a safe and secure food supply. The vaccinology, pathobiology, transmission dynamics and diagnostics for Avian influenza virus are a primary research focus of the unit.

The ORISE participant will be part of the team which is evaluating and developing vaccines against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Currently, the US is experiencing one of the largest HPAI outbreaks and there has been serious consideration for the use of vaccines as a component of integrated control programs.

The participant will evaluate the efficacy of commercial and experimental vaccines. The project involves studying the potential of field viruses to infect and spread in vaccinated poultry and evaluating DIVA (Differentiation of Infected from Vaccinated Animals) strategies to show that vaccinated poultry have not been infected with field virus. The project also involves studying the immune correlates of protection and antigenic relationships between vaccine and field viruses using antigenic cartography.

Learning Objectives: The participant will learn methods and data interpretation associated with influenza A virus virology and pathobiology, vaccinology and immunology, and the critical aspects of vaccine application in poultry. The participant will be able to present data at professional meetings. All data will be published in peer-reviewed publications. The appointment is at a large USDA research center with close proximality to a major research university that provides the participant with numerous opportunities for interaction with other scientists, seminars, and conferences.  

Mentor(s)The mentor(s) for this opportunity are Chang Lee (chang.lee@usda.gov), Mary Pantin-Jackwood (Mary.Pantin-Jackwood@usda.gov), and Erica Spackman (Erica.Spackman@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2022/2023. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for two years, but may be renewed 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 ORISE.ARS.Southeast@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 before the appointment start date.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
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