A complete application 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. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. 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 recommendations

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

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

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

Three research opportunities are currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory located in Beltsville, Maryland.

In this research project, the prevalence of Trichinella in US Swine will be tested through a broad sampling using artificial digestion and, if presumptively positive samples are obtained, confirmatory PCR and sequencing. The study will apply internationally-accepted diagnostic procedures to address a central question in One Health, providing needed information on agricultural biosecurity and zoonotic risk, and will provide a scientific basis to inform trade policies.

Participants will be contributing to a national survey of Trichinella, a foodborne parasite, in pork sampled from throughout the United States. Implementing internationally-recognized testing procedures based on artificial digestion of tissues and microscopy, participants will learn a variety of bench techniques and data recording and reporting necessary for assuring data quality and traceback.   

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 ARS. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at ARS in the Beltsville, Maryland, area. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, 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.

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred skills:

• Training in biology and related fields of science
• Interest in parasitology and public health
• Aptitude for record-keeping and data management

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (10 )