Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Microbiology
The Diagnostic Bioanalytical and Reagents Laboratory (DBRL) within the USDA APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, provides diagnostic testing, reagents, and proficiency tests for a wide range of animal diseases, including brucellosis, tuberculosis, piroplasmosis, dourine, and glanders. The testing platforms currently in use include complement fixation, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and various agglutination assays (among others).
The selected participant will have the opportunity to conduct research with these existing platforms and determine if there are additional testing platforms, particularly molecular-based assays or automated processes, that may be developed to meet or exceed the current sensitivity and specificity parameters of the existing tests.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant's activities may include, but are not limited to:
- Learn and perform the existing testing platforms in the current diagnostic testing paradigms to provide results to NVSL customers in both the import/export realm and Veterinary Services program (e.g. disease eradication) areas
- Learn and perform the antigen and antiserum production processes that lead to the reagents used in the diagnostic tests. (This may include with animals, particularly with cattle, horses, and rats.)
- Develop and assess novel diagnostic platforms to update or modernize current testing paradigms. This should include consideration for molecular (PCR, etc) based assays, recombinant antigen production, bead-based immunoassays, or assays that may preclude (reduce/replace) the use of animals in reagent production schemes.
- Assist in routine laboratory efforts to ensure quality programs and maintenance programs are supported
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 monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The annual stipend rate for this opportunity will be determined upon selection and will range between $50,000 and $70,000. Relocation expenses are not available. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Candidates will be eligible to receive a health insurance allowance. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. The appointment is full-time at APHIS in the Ames, Iowa, area. Participants do not become employees of USDA, APHIS, 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.
Background investigations are required for the selected candidate so the individual can handle select agents and participate in biocontainment without an escort. Adjudication of a Special Agency Check (SAC) is required before the selected candidate can start. Paperwork for this clearance will be sent to the selected candidate after acceptance of the official offer from ORAU.
Research is performed in a BSL-2 or BSL-3 laboratory. Handling unknown or mass-produced pathogenic agents at the BSL-3 level mandates the use of biocontainment hoods and wearing personal protective gear, which can be strenuous on the individual. Individuals will be required to shower out at the end of the day after conducting research in bio-containment.
This is an equal opportunity program open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.
The qualified candidate should have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.
Preferred skills:
- Knowledge of general laboratory practices including aseptic technique and the use of common laboratory equipment (centrifuge, micropipettes, biosafety cabinets, microscope, etc.)
- Proficiency in technical writing and creating and delivering oral presentations
- Proficiency in communication (oral and writing), interpersonal and organizational skills
- Demonstrates critical thinking skills and ability to analyze and interpret data
- Demonstrates flexibility and self-motivation
- Eagerness to learn from peers and participate in a team environment
- Proficiency in using basic word processing and data management software
- A background in microbiology. biology, parasitology, and/or immunology
- Knowledge of polymerase chain reaction methodologies, including real-time, quantitative methods
- Knowledge of molecular sequencing (traditional and NextGen) methodologies
- Knowledge of monoclonal antibody production methodologies
- Knowledge of recombinant gene technologies
- Familiarity with development and optimization of bead-based immunoassays