Undergraduate Student Research Opportunity

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-SEPRL-2016-0098
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

An undergraduate student research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory (SEPRL) in Athens, Georgia.

The participant will be part of a research team involved in animal health research.  The individual will be trained and required to conduct a variety of lab tasks including: RT-PCR, nucleic acid extraction, serological testing, basic virology, preparation of materials for sample collection, processing experimental samples, basic bioinformatics and daily maintenance of the lab. Tasks will be part of multiple on-going projects.

The appointment is part-time for a 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.

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

This opportunity is open to individuals enrolled in an undergraduate degree program who have completed at least one year of the program.  Applicants should have completed at least one introductory class in the following subjects: basic biology, cellular biology, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology or genetics at the college level.  Enrollment in a program in animal agriculture or wildlife health is preferred (e.g. animal science, dairy science, poultry science).  Basic computer skills are essential. Experience (class-room or hands-on) with molecular biology, aseptic technique, virology is preferred.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (19 )