What are the responsibilities and job description for the USDA-ARS Exploring Livestock Organoid Platforms for Molecular and Immunological Studies position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-PA-2026-0198
How To Apply
To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.
A Complete Application Consists Of
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!”
Application Deadline
7/3/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
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 of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.
Research Project: This fellowship will provide the participant the opportunity to engage in hands-on research focused on developing and studying 3D cell culture systems and organoid models derived from the upper respiratory tract of major livestock species, including cattle and swine. These models represent cutting-edge tools for studying host-pathogen interactions in physiologically relevant environments that more closely resemble in-vivo tissue architecture and innate immune function. The project will focus on generating organoids that capture the cellular diversity and barrier properties of the bovine and porcine upper respiratory epithelium. Other tissues of interest may also be incorporated as the project evolves. The participant will make use of a combination of genetic, biochemical, and imaging-based approaches to define how these complex cultures develop, differentiate, and respond to external stimuli (i.e. antivirals, IFN, etc.). The participant will also engage in collaborative research activities to understand concepts of innate immune responses and virus-host interactions. This will include the collection, organization and analysis of experimental observations that describe organoid structure, gene expression patterns and cellular responses.
Learning Objectives
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 2026. 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. The anticipated stipend range is $67,210 to $80,557 annually.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens 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 ORISE.ARS.Plains@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past one year, or anticipated to be received near start of appointment.
Preferred Skills
$67,210.00 – $80,557.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Janeen
Eligibility Requirements">5 )
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-PA-2026-0198
How To Apply
To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.
A Complete Application Consists Of
- An application
- Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
- Two educational or professional recommendations
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!”
Application Deadline
7/3/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
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 of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.
Research Project: This fellowship will provide the participant the opportunity to engage in hands-on research focused on developing and studying 3D cell culture systems and organoid models derived from the upper respiratory tract of major livestock species, including cattle and swine. These models represent cutting-edge tools for studying host-pathogen interactions in physiologically relevant environments that more closely resemble in-vivo tissue architecture and innate immune function. The project will focus on generating organoids that capture the cellular diversity and barrier properties of the bovine and porcine upper respiratory epithelium. Other tissues of interest may also be incorporated as the project evolves. The participant will make use of a combination of genetic, biochemical, and imaging-based approaches to define how these complex cultures develop, differentiate, and respond to external stimuli (i.e. antivirals, IFN, etc.). The participant will also engage in collaborative research activities to understand concepts of innate immune responses and virus-host interactions. This will include the collection, organization and analysis of experimental observations that describe organoid structure, gene expression patterns and cellular responses.
Learning Objectives
- Learn to develop and maintain advanced 3D cell culture systems and organoid models derived from bovine and porcine upper respiratory tissues.
- Learn the biological principles of upper respiratory epithelial structure, cellular diversity, and barrier function in livestock species.
- Learn to apply genetic, biochemical, and imaging-based techniques to characterize organoid development, differentiation, and function.
- Learn to investigate host–pathogen interactions and innate immune responses using physiologically relevant in vitro models.
- Learn to evaluate organoid responses to external stimuli such as antivirals and interferons.
- Learn to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret complex datasets describing organoid structure, gene expression, and cellular responses within collaborative research settings.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 2026. 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. The anticipated stipend range is $67,210 to $80,557 annually.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens 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 ORISE.ARS.Plains@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past one year, or anticipated to be received near start of appointment.
Preferred Skills
- Experience working with mammalian cell culture systems
- Background in molecular or cellular biology or a related life-science discipline.
- Experience or interest in participating in research involving 3D cell cultures and organoids
- Familiarity with microscopy and imaging techniques is beneficial.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and an interest in learning new laboratory methods
- Curiosity, initiative and desire to gain training in advanced cellular and molecular research techniques
$67,210.00 – $80,557.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Janeen
Eligibility Requirements">5 )
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 12 months or currently pursuing.
- Discipline(s):
- Life Health and Medical Sciences (
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Salary : $67,210 - $80,557