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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.

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center (NADC), Virus and Prion Research Unit (VPRU) located in Ames, Iowa.

Research Project: Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected candidate will conduct research on the transmission, differentiation, and pathobiology of prion disease in livestock and laboratory animal models. The participant will have the opportunity to conduct research on studies that are designed to develop new diagnostic techniques for prion disease, test shedding and transmission of prion disease agents, and further characterize the progression of prion disease in natural hosts. Participation may include collecting samples at necropsy, laboratory assays for the detection of abnormal prion protein, development or refinement of protocols for the microscopic assessment of tissues for lesions associated with prion diseases.

Learning Objectives: This environment offers opportunities to learn laboratory procedures such as western blot, enzyme immunoassay, immunohistochemistry, and in vitro assays for prion infectivity; to interact with scientists and technicians within the group to develop new projects; and to develop clinical skills with livestock and rodents.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Justin Greenlee (Justin.greenlee@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer 2020.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: 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.

ORISE Information: 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. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email USDA-ARS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree and will reach completion by September 3, 2020. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills/experience:

• Experience with laboratory assays such as immunohistochemistry, confocal or fluorescent microscopy, PCR, ELISA, and western blot
• Experience working in biocontainment laboratories

• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 9/3/2020 11:59:00 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (10 )
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).