Entomology Research: Cattle Fever Tick Management

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-TBFRU-2015-0122
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.  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.

Description

A postgraduate research opportunity is available with the Tick and Biting Fly Research Unit (TBFRU) in Edinburg, Texas. The participant will be responsible for evaluating new chemistries for tick control and integrating them into an integrated management program. Participant will be supervised by the Principal Investigator and must be able to follow a strict protocol to evaluate tick susceptibility to various compounds through bioassay, stall trials, and field trials.

It is critical that the participant be skilled in planning and time-management, the position will require flexibility in working schedule, sometimes including non-standard work hours and/or weekend hours. It is also critical that the participant be able to adjust planning to meet research goals based on experimental observations.

Laboratory bioassay requires skill with micropipettes and serial dilution calculation. Stall and field experimentation requires skill with animal handling, blood extraction, and injection.

Full training will be provided by Principal Investigator and project-associated biological technician and support scientist.

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 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 will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, ARS, 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, 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.

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

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

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must have received a doctorate degree in Biological Sciences with classroom and laboratory curriculum in entomology, veterinary medicine, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry or parasitology within five years of the desired starting date.  Experience with bioassay and evaluation of pesticides for tick control by stall and field experiments are highly desirable.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (2 )