USDA-ARS Immune Responses to Tuberculosis
*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), in the Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit of the National Animal Disease Center located in Ames, Iowa.
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.
Research Project: To protect both animal and public health, there has been a bovine tuberculosis (bTB) eradication program in the United States for over a century. Although progress has been made, eradication has not been achieved and in some areas bTB is increasing in frequency. Currently, there is a need to develop improved diagnostics to aid in identification and elimination of infected animals and vaccines to protect herds from further infection. To meet research objectives, the bTB project in the Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit has a need for additional, highly skilled, research support. For this appointment the selected participant will develop and validate quantitative PCR assays to detect cytokine concentrations in blood from tuberculosis-infected animals.
Learning Objectives: The participant will gain knowledge of immunologic responses to infectious disease, be introduced to Biosafety level 3 practices, and have the opportunity to collaborate with international experts in developing or adapting current tools to meet regulatory needs related to an animal health control program. The participant will also gain knowledge on the pathophysiology, immunology, and epidemiology of an intracellular bacterial zoonotic disease.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Steven Olsen (steven.olsen@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 2021. 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 only.
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 (USDA-ARS-2021-0153) for this opportunity.