What are the responsibilities and job description for the USDA-ARS Veterinary Fellowship in Characterizing Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Infection position at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)?
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Ames, Iowa.
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: You will be a part of research projects developing improved intervention strategies for preventing tuberculosis and brucellosis in domestic livestock and wildlife. Aspects of this research agenda include developing improved vaccines and diagnostics using molecular (CRISPR and cloning), microbiological, pathological and immunological and other techniques to meet identified research objectives. This will involve both in vivo and in vitro research and include handling zoonotic bacteria.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to learn to:
- Conduct research to develop improved prevention strategies for tuberculosis and brucellosis in domestic livestock and wildlife.
- Use molecular techniques, including CRISPR-based methods and cloning, for vaccine and diagnostic development.
- Describe microbiological, pathological, and immunological approaches used to study zoonotic bacterial infections.
- Demonstrate in vitro laboratory studies and in vivo animal research.
- Recognize biosafety practices and responsible handling procedures for zoonotic bacteria.
- Complete sampling domestic livestock and wildlife and experience in biolevel 3 conditions.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Steven Olsen (steven.olsen@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: November 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.
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.Midwest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Salary : $87,000 - $99,000