Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity in immunology, virology, and veterinary science is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in the Virus and Prion Research Unit at the National Animal Disease Center (NADC) 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: The selected participant will be involved in studying influenza A virus (IAV) in swine. This project is within the Intervention Strategies to Control Endemic and New and Emerging Influenza A Virus Infections in Swine project in the Virus and Prion Research Unit. Scientists in this unit maintain a comprehensive IAV research program including investigation of virulence mechanisms, vaccinology, immunology, and virus evolution. The participant will be based on the National Centers for Animal Health campus and enjoy interactions with a dynamic community of ARS intramural scientists, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research technicians. For an introduction to the Flu crew at the National Animal Disease Center, please see: https://youtu.be/kOJy8tFTuiI
Under the guidance of the mentor, the participant will help with collecting and analyzing research data to study the immune response to Influenza A infection and vaccination in swine. The participant may use a variety of immunology, virology and veterinary methods to investigate research questions and may assist with reporting research results in scientific journals.
Learning Objectives: The appointee has the potential to gain experience in the following:
Animal handling and sample collection Immune assays: hemagglutination inhibition assay, neuraminidase inhibition assay, ELISAs, flow cytometry, ELISpots Virology methods: virus culture, isolation, and titration Immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence Molecular techniques including DNA/RNA extraction and PCR Communication of research results including scientific writing and oral presentation Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Meghan Wymore Brand (meghan.brand@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 2024. 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.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) 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.
