Biodefense Research Opportunity in Infection and Vaccination of Foreign Animal Diseases

A research opportunity is currently available with the the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) in Orient Point, New York.

This research opportunity will involve the evaluation of innate and adaptive immunity during foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) infection and the immune response after different types of vaccination and/or immuno-modulatory treatments. By using immunological techniques, the participant will evaluate immune response during natural infection or induced by vaccination or other immuno-modulatory treatments such as interferon (IFN) or other cytokines. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in running animal studies in the natural host and some animal models to elucidate the importance of the different aspects of the immune response during infection and the mechanisms involved in protection during vaccination or treatment. The participant will also implement diagnostics tools to differentiate vaccinated from infected animals.

PIADC is the only U.S. laboratory facility performing research, development and diagnosis of foreign animal diseases of highest threat to the U.S. This critical national asset is located off the northeast coast of Long Island, NY, and accessible by government-provided ferry from Orient Point, NY, and Old Saybrook, CT. Research at PIADC is performed on animal diseases that threaten the nation's animal industries and exports. One of the missions of FADRU is to investigate foreign animal diseases (FADs) in their endemic settings to help mitigate the risks of catastrophic economic losses caused by these pathogens in the event of accidental or deliberate introduction to the United States.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant may be involved in the following activities:

Being stationed at PIADC offers the selected participant with the opportunity of learning to handle select agents in livestock species and managing select agent inventories. The participant will have the opportunity of participating in national and international meetings, workshops and training courses for the advancement of their scientific careers in foreign animal diseases and emerging infectious animal diseases.

The participant must have or be eligible to obtain a high security clearance.

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 PIADC. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of PIADC 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. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. The appointment is full-time at PIADC in the Orient Point, New York, area. Participants do not become employees of USDA, PIADC, 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.

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

Preferred skills/experience: