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Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Microbiology

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

MUST APPLY THROUGH EXTERNAL LINK. SUBMIT RESUME WITH APPLICATION.

A postgraduate research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center, Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit located in Ames, Iowa.

The NADC is the premiere research institute within the USDA for studying the role of commensal bacteria in health and disease of food-producing animals. The selected participant will be part of a team of microbiologists, immunologists, bioinformaticians, and veterinarians who are investigating host-microbe interactions with the ultimate goal of discovering antibiotic alternatives that will improve animal health and food safety.

Objectives of the research is to understand the critical events, timepoints, and biomarkers for interactions between the intestinal bacteria (including foodborne pathogens) and intestinal tissues/host responses, which contribute to a healthy intestinal ecosystem and immune system, refractory to foodborne pathogen colonization and persistence.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in conducting in vitro / in vivo (animal models) experiments evaluating colonization factors, the function and response of mucosal and immunological tissue, as well as bacterial communities in intestinal tract following inoculation with different bacteria, various dietary components, or stressors, and evaluating data.

Related research information may be found at:

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 1, 2020

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. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS 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 ranges from $34,916 to $50,598, and is dependent on qualification and experience at the postgraduate level. A health insurance supplement of up to $5,679 for an individual ($16,043 for a family plan) will be provided to cover the cost of an individual or family health insurance plan. A $3,000 travel allowance to reimburse travel-related expenses to scientific or professional development activities will also be provided. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at ARS in the Ames, Iowa, area. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. 

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received an bachelor's or master's 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.

This opportunity is available to US citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.

If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (USDA-ARS-2020-0104) in your email.