Biology Research Opportunity - Tick and Biting Fly Research Unit

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-TBFRU-2015-0117
How to Apply

A complete application package 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. Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.  Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded.
  • A current resume/CV

If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Description

A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Tick and Biting Fly Research Unit (TBFRU) in Kerrville, Texas.

The selected participant will conduct laboratory, livestock barn, and field experiments as detailed by the supervisor.  S/he will use of various potential pesticides and repellent materials for control of biting fly and tick problems.  Data will be collected as prescribed by supervisor and delivered to the supervisor.  Most of the pesticides and repellents will be of plant or animal origins.

Experiments and data collection will also occur in the context of studying the ecology and control tactics for Arundo donax, the giant river cane.  This research will involve examining arundo stalks for herbivorous arthropods and pathogens, testing botanically-based or other potentially useful herbicides.

The appointment may require travel to assist with or conduct experiments on veterinary pests and arundo.  Additionally, travel for training in support of the appointment may be required.

Some animal care may be required, including rearing of certain ticks and biting flies.

The participant will assist with maintaining the laboratory chemical inventory and will also assist with health and safety issues for the supervisor's laboratory.  This may include maintaining safety specifications and ensuring equipment and reagents are stored in a safe and orderly fashion.  The participant may also serve on health, safety, chemical hygiene, and animal care committees at the Kerrville laboratory.

The appointment is full-time for one year and may be renewed based upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding.  The selected applicant will receive a stipend in the amount of $31,944 per year as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment.  Stipend rates are determined by ARS officials, and are based on the applicant’s academic and professional background.  The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance.  Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  The participant does not become an employee of ARS or ORISE.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with ARS, this position requires a pre-employment check and a full background investigation.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens.

This is an equal opportunity program open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

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

Qualifications

To be eligible, candidates must have received a Master’s degree or have completed a Bachelor’s degree with significant progress toward completing a Master’s degree in animal science, veterinary entomology or a closely related field.  Preferred candidates will have significant academic and nonacademic experience in livestock.  Previous research on parasitic pests of livestock and evaluation of control tactics is highly desirable.

Preferred skills include:

  • Previous experience conducting assays on plant/animal-based products and solutions to assess their value as repellents and toxins.
  • Previous experience working with livestock animals.
  • Knowledge of scientific method and basic knowledge of experimental design.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (3 )
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