To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click 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. 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.

Connect with ORISE...on the GO!  Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!”

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Manhattan, Kansas.

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.

The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS is a state-of-the-art facility operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that is designed to help protect the nation’s agriculture, farmers and citizens against the threat and potential impact of serious animal diseases. The Biologics Development Module (BDM) is a unique applied research laboratory space within NBAF tasked with the mission of transitioning research developments into products. The BDM operates at a BSL-2 level of biosafety and is equipped to provide the needed functions to de-risk veterinary countermeasure product development.

Research Project: The BDM is in the process of developing a hybridoma and immunological reagents repository with the capacity to support current and future livestock immunology needs as well as to better assist the transition of immunological reagent dependent products to industry partners. Hybridomas provided to the BDM by USDA and outside partners will need to be propagated, preserved, and antibodies evaluated for both production and continued efficacy. This project will consist of helping in the recovery of cryo-preserved hybridoma cells and propagating them for creation of additional cell stocks. Select hybridomas may also be targeted for further evaluation relating to their potential efficacy for usage by industry partners.

The participant will collaborate with the Director of the Biologics Development Module. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will provide scientific input in the recovery and propagation of cell cultures, specifically hybridomas, and be involved in developing and implementing methodologies and SOPs utilizing BDM and NBAF resources for the recovery of hybridoma cells and the production and purification of monoclonal antibodies.

Learning Objectives: The participant will learn about reagent development and testing for diagnostic and vaccine product development in a regulated environment, and technology transfer strategies from public to private laboratory settings. 

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Steven Witte (steven.witte@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Early 2026. 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 ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $55,897 - $105,384 annually.

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 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.Plains@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields.

Preferred skills:

• Experience with mammalian cell culture, good aseptic technique is highly desired.
• Experience with freezing and recovering mammalian cell lines recommended.
• Experience in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory recommended.
• Experience with immunological assays or testing for contaminants beneficial. 

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (12 )