Internship in Prion Diseases
*Applications are 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, Virus and Prion Research Unit 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: The lab of Dr. Eric Nicholson currently has a research opportunity for a recent graduate (within the past 60 months) focused on the detection and differentiation of prion diseases available. The participant will have the opportunity to gain practical research experience in a laboratory research environment and receive research and career mentoring. The goal of this opportunity is to help prepare for the participant's next step whether that be a Ph.D. program, DVM, MD, or direct entry into their chosen career.
Learning Objectives: The research group involves both in vitro and in vivo projects related to the pathobiology, differentiation, and diagnosis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Participants will have the opportunity to develop expertise in a variety of laboratory techniques such as the use of western blot, ELISA, protein purification, spectroscopic (UV/VIS, fluorescence, and circular dichroism) analysis of proteins, and analysis and interpretation of data.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Eric Nicholson (eric.nicholson@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall 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 and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) 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 for this opportunity (USDA-ARS-2021-0205).