Postdoctoral Microbiologist/Molecular Biologist Research Associate

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-BEARRU-2016-0190
How to Apply

A complete application package consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) - Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
  • A current resume/CV
  • Two references - While two references are requested, applications will be considered without reference information.  It is preferred that a complete application package contains a minimum of one reference.

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

Description

The selected applicant will serve as a Postdoctoral Microbiologist/Molecular Biologist Research Associate with the Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, located within the USDA-ARS, National Poultry Research Center, Athens, GA. The mission of the Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Unit is to study antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic food borne pathogens and commensal bacteria, to understand mechanisms of resistances to antibiotics and the spread of resistance through the environment and to human populations. The selected applicant will use culture and molecular microbiological methods to: 1) gain an understanding of the prevalence of resistance among food borne pathogens and factors which may affect the development, spread and persistence of resistance in production facilities and in the environment and 2) study the molecular mechanisms that are associated with the development of resistance. The selected applicant will work independently with minimal supervision.

The appointment is full-time for one year and may be renewed for up to 4 years upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding. The stipend rate for this position is up to $70,177 depending on skills and experience. A stipend supplement is included in this rate to cover 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. The rate also includes a travel allowance of $1,500 per year 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, 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.

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must have received a Ph.D. in microbiology, environmental microbiology/microbial ecology, molecular biology, epidemiology or any closely related field.

This opportunity requires an extensive knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology (general and applied) to develop and evaluate experimental protocols for novel research approaches. Familiarity with sampling and analysis of complex environmental samples and working knowledge of food animal production is desirable. Skills with regard to molecular biology include:  DNA isolation, PCR design and application, probe design and hybridization assays, cloning, sequencing and sequence analysis. Experience with bioinformatics, specifically in the analysis of next-generation sequencing sets (Illumina MiSeq) using programs such as QIIME.

Ability to work cooperatively on a multi-disciplinary team is essential.

Ability to interpret results and proven ability to publish in peer reviewed journals is desirable.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (8 )
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