A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional references

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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) in Orient Point, New York, provides diagnostic capability to assist the States and the USDA in diagnosing and responding to Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) threats. Specifically, the FADDL provides diagnostics for foreign animal diseases including foot and mouth disease, classical swine fever, and African swine fever, as well as others. FADDL is also entrusted with the management of the North American Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank (NAFMDVB).

The selected participant will collaborate with microbiologists, veterinarians, statisticians, and bio-technicians to support the NAFMDVB mission.

Activities may include:

• Conduct research on the efficacy of a trivalent FMD vaccine containing antigens from three divergent strains from within a chosen serotype.
• Conduct thorough literature review and collate relevant data on vaccine matching.
• Assist with review of sequence data for specific antigen selection.
• Assist with PD50's, to include: viral propagation, preparation and titration of challenge virus.
• Assist with efficacy testing of FMD trial blends and experimental vaccines in cattle and swine.
• Assist with and perform serologic in-vitro testing.
• Summarize findings in reports, standard operating procedures, and other documentation.
• Conduct diagnostic testing in support of foreign animal disease case investigations, as needed.
• Handling and care of large animals, including swine and bovine species.
• Learn and participate in select agent management; select agent shipping procedures; laboratory equipment maintenance; and containment laboratory support efforts.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and APHIS. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of APHIS and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a yearly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience as well as a health insurance stipend supplement and a travel allowance for conferences and scientific meetings. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time. Participants do not become employees of PIADC, USDA, APHIS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

Background investigations are required for the selected candidate so the individual can work in biocontainment without an escort and handle select agents. Adjudication of a Special Agency Check (SAC) is required before the selected candidate can start at Plum Island Animal Disease Center. An advanced BI security clearance will be be conducted/adjudicated after start date, allowing for unescorted access to biocontainment. An APHIS Select Agent Clearance is also required so that the selected candidate can work with select agents. Paperwork for all of these clearances will be sent to the selected candidate after acceptance of the official offer from ORAU.

The participant will be stationed in a BSL-2/3 laboratory.  Handling unknown pathogenic agents mandates the use of biocontainment hoods and wearing personal protective gear, which can be strenuous on some individuals.

This opportunity requires daily travel to and from Orient Point, NY or Old Saybrook, CT and Plum Island aboard government-provided marine vessels.

As a condition of this opportunity, all personnel entering the BSL-3 biocontainment facilities at Plum Island shall not be in contact with specific susceptible animals off the Plum Island premises for a period of five (5) days after leaving biocontainment. Currently, restricted species are cattle, sheep, goats, deer, other ruminants & swine. Horses, birds (agricultural and pet birds) & rabbits are normally permitted but restrictions may be placed on individuals working with contagious agents affecting these species. Restricted livestock or other restricted animals should not be housed on the premises where the individual under quarantine restrictions lives.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, and foreign nationals.

For more information about the PIADC Research Participation Program, please visit https://www.orau.gov/piadc/default.htm.

Applicants must have a minimum of a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent is required from an institution accredited by the AVMA Council on Education. 

Eligible candidates should have:

• General knowledge of veterinary medicine, with an emphasis on laboratory and domestic animals.
• Knowledge of diagnostics of viral diseases, including foreign animal diseases (OIE listed).
• Knowledge of general laboratory methods including aseptic technique, good laboratory practices (GLP), and the use of common laboratory equipment (centrifuge, micropipettes, ELISA plate readers, biosafety cabinets, etc.).
• Have proficiency in technical writing, oral communication, and organization skills.
• Demonstrate flexibility and self-motivation to complete assigned tasks.
• Eagerness to learn from peers and to work in a team environment.

Preferred skills include:.

• BSL-2/3 laboratory experience.
• Experience with an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
• Have a familiarity of biostatistics, bioinformatics and database searching.
• Experience with government regulatory requirements and programs.
• Knowledge of development, production, trade, and use of veterinary biologics and applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (10 )