*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

APHIS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), located in Ames, Iowa.

Research Project: The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) is offering a yearlong internship to prepare individuals for a career as a biological sciences technician (BSLT) or in partial preparation for a microbiologist career in laboratory diagnostic medicine. The interns will follow a structured training program, rotating through several laboratories and sections at NVSL, receiving training in pathogen handling and testing in biological safety level (BSL) 3, and BSL 2 laboratories. Interns will learn and understand the specialized rules associated with select agents, the requirements and documentation needed to work in an ISO7025 accredited laboratory, as well as training in several diagnostic methods such as virus/bacterial isolation and identification, serological techniques, PCR, and sequencing. 

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Karthik Shanmuganatham (karthik.k.shanmuganatham@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2022/2023.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 APHIS 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. Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment of $35,000 per year.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

Background Investigation Requirements: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.

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 APHIS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, APHIS, 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.

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.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email USDA-APHIS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.