A complete application consists of:

• An application
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Transcripts – 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 may be required to provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

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

The purpose of this appointment is to establish a Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) diagnostic and workforce development program in KSU-DDMP-CVM, as the initial steps in the transition of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to the National Bio-Agro Defense facility (NBAF) in Kansas.  The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert in infectious diseases interested in engaging in developmental and applied research in transboundary/foreign animal diseases as a new field of research.  The incumbent is recognized as an established scientist in infectious diseases and emerging infectious diseases of livestock, with experience in the development of diagnostics assays.  He/She will be mentored  by the FADDL Director and work closely with scientists and laboratorians from the Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL), graduate students, and faculty from Kansas State University, Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine (KSU-DDMP-CVM).  The incumbent will work closely with FADDL’s Section Heads and Science Liaison to pave the way to a successful transition and development of the future FADDL workforce of the NBAF. This position will require a substantial amount of travel between KS and FADDL as well as occasional travel to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories at Ames, IA.  Specifically the incumbent will be responsible for:

1. The inception and execution of novel ideas into research projects leading to the development of novel diagnostic assays and reagents, including writing proposals to secure funding; serving as a bench mentor to post graduate, graduate and veterinary medicine students; and developing synergies between KSU-DDMP-CVM and FADDL.  These projects and synergies will be aimed at improving the detection, characterization, diagnosis, and/or epidemiology of foreign/transboundary and emerging animal diseases with an emphasis on viral diseases of livestock, including high-consequence animal diseases, zoonoses, and/or vector borne diseases.
2. Assisting the NVSL-FADDL in devising and implementing a strategic transition plan for FADDL.
3. Based on SME, the incumbent may be asked to contribute in any of FADDL’s core missions in addition to developmental research.  These core areas are: diagnostics, reagent production, the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), the North American Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank (NAFMDVB), and capacity building efforts

Appointment Location

Kansas State University, Department of Veterinary Pathology

This position will require a substantial amount of travel between KSU and FADDL.

Participant Benefits

Selected candidates will receive a stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment. Candidates will also be eligible to receive a health insurance allowance and reimbursement for travel expenses.

Appointments are for one year. Appointments may be extended in increments of up to one year, contingent upon recommendation of APHIS FADDL, project needs and funding availability. The maximum length of time a participant can spend in the ORISE program is five years from the initial appointment start date.

Nature of the Appointment

Participants will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, USDA, ORAU, the DOE, 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.

ORAU will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, mental or physical disability, covered veteran’s status, or genetic information.

Educational Background

• DVM degree
• PhD degree
• Post-doctoral training/fellowship in infectious diseases, and/or residency with board certification/eligible in microbiology or pathology (desirable but not required).

Skills & Experience

• Applied research and clinical experience with foreign/transboundary animal disease. Emphasis in the development and improvement of diagnostic assays.
• Experience in the diagnostic laboratory (pathology, serology, and/or molecular), particularly in infectious animal diseases.
• Publication record (peer-reviewed) in foreign/transboundary animal diseases.
• Successful record of securing research funds (grant writing).
• Mentoring of graduate and post graduate students.
• Supervising and leading a team of scientists and/or graduate students.
• Program management; strategic planning, establishing and meeting milestones, and budget management.

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )