Postdoctoral Research Opportunity - Conservation and Production Research - Animal Nutrition

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-CPRL-2015-0016
How to Apply

A complete application package consists of:

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 postdoctoral research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Conservation and Production Research Laboratory (CPRL) in Bushland, Texas.   The selected applicant will conduct cooperative and independent research to:

  • Develop and test feeding and supplementation strategies to decrease greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from cattle fed high-roughage and high-concentrate diets.
  • Measure metabolic and enteric carbon dioxide, methane, and ammonia from beef cattle using respiration calorimetry and other available methods and evaluate the effects of diet on these losses.

Additionally, the selected participant may also conduct lab scale studies to identify key variables controlling emissions of ammonia and methane from the animal and from manure.  Methods used will include individual animal respiration calorimetry, static chambers, and nutrient balance.

The appointment is full-time for one year and may be renewed for up to three years upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding.  The annual stipend rate for this position is $47,923.  A stipend supplement is also provided to offset the cost of an individual or family health insurance plan.  The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. Health insurance may be obtained through ORISE.  Relocation expenses up to $4,000 will be reimbursed, with prior approval.   A travel allowance may be available to reimburse travel-related expenses to scientific and professional development activities.  The participant does not become an employee of the ARS or ORISE.  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) 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, 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.

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must have received a doctorate degree in Animal Nutrition or a closely related field.  Knowledge or experience in conducting animal metabolism trials, working with cattle, and nutritional laboratory procedures is required.

The ideal candidate will have a broad knowledge or experience of the scientific theories and principles which underlie:

  • Animal metabolism
  • Ruminal metabolism
  • Atmospheric emissions as they apply to grazing and finishing cattle

Experience with calorimetry is highly desired along with the willingness and ability to work cooperatively with other scientists and technicians on collaborative studies.  Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to read and write English.

Preferred skills include:

  • Skill and experience in designing and conducting animal nutrition research studies.
  • Skill and experience in statistically analyzing and interpreting research data.
  • Skill and experience in writing research manuscripts, especially refereed journal articles.
  • Skill and experience in working with other scientists, graduate students and technicians.
  • Experience working with cattle.

 

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )