Microbiologist Postdoctoral Research Opportunity

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.  All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation.
• 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.

A microbiologist postdoctoral research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Unit (FSEPRU) in Ames, Iowa.  Ames, home of Iowa State University, was recently ranked ninth on CNNMoney.com’s "Best Places to Live" list.

The selected applicant will contribute to research projects on 1) antibiotic resistance gene diversity and transfer in swine gut bacterial communities, and 2) the effects of disturbances such as antibiotic administration on these communities. Secondary activities will include participating in ongoing microbial ecology studies in the FSEPRU.

The appointment is full-time for one year and may be renewed based upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding.  The annual stipend rate for this position is $58,562.  A stipend supplement is available to offset the cost of an individual or family health insurance plan.  The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance.  Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  Relocation expenses in the amount of $500 will be reimbursed, with prior approval. An annual allowance of $3,000 is available to reimburse travel-related expenses to scientific and professional development activities.  The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

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 and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).

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.

To be eligible, applicants must have received a doctorate degree within five years prior to the desired starting date, preferably in microbiology, bioinformatics, or a related field.  The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• bioinformatic analyses of large datasets;
• use of biological databases and various bioinformatic tools;
• phylogenetic analyses;
• antibiotic resistance gene ecology; and
•  technical writing in English for peer-reviewed publications.

Additional knowledge of statistical inference methods, microbial ecology, molecular biology, or genetics is preferred.  Outstanding candidates will be enthusiastic and self-motivated with good communication skills and a strong work ethic.

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (3 )