What are the responsibilities and job description for the USDA-APHIS Microbiologist/Protein Scientist Fellowship position at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)?
*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), at the Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostics Laboratory (FADDL) located in Orient Point, New York.
Research Project: The USDA APHIS FADDL at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, New York provides diagnostic capability to assist the States and the USDA in diagnosing and responding to Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) threats. Specifically, the FADDL provides diagnostics for vesicular and swine diseases. Given the recent increase in risk associated with the expanded outbreaks of African Swine Fever virus (ASFV), there is a need for tools that can rapidly determine the presence of the virus for further analysis.
The selected Fellow will collaborate with microbiologists, veterinarians, statisticians, and biotechnicians to support the diagnostic mission. They will have the opportunity to learn about ASFV and other transboundary animal diseases and their impact on trade, surveillance procedures and methods, diagnostic testing algorithms for testing in series, sample handling and management, as well as how automated platforms are used in laboratories.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, learning opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Learn and perform sample preparation for MALDI-TOF analysis for generating data to detect ASFV and possibly other foreign animal disease agents.
- Maintain and operate the MALDI-TOF instrument.
- Conduct diagnostic assay performance characteristic evaluation in support of the validation of ASFV and other foreign animal disease diagnostic assays.
- Update and create standard operating procedures, and other documentation in accordance with ISO-17025 procedure.
- Assist in routine laboratory duties to ensure quality programs and maintenance programs are supported.
- Analyze data, summarize findings on forms, reports, and via presentations.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Roger W. Barrette (roger.w.barrette@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 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 up to four years upon recommendation of APHIS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant(s) will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The annual stipend rate for these positions will be determined upon selection and will range between $50,000 and $70,000 plus a health insurance allowance.
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 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.
Salary : $50,000 - $70,000
