USDA-APHIS Microbiologist Research Fellow
*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), located in Manhattan, Kansas.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is a multi-faceted Agency with a broad mission area that includes protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act and carrying out wildlife damage management activities. These efforts support the overall mission of USDA, which is to protect and promote food, agriculture, natural resources and related issues. APHIS' mission also includes addressing issues such as wildlife damage and disease management; regulation of genetically engineered crops and animal welfare; and protection of public health and safety as well as natural resources that are vulnerable to invasive pests and pathogens.
The Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) is one of four National Veterinary Service Laboratories (NVSL) within Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). FADDL is tasked with providing protection to United States agriculture by providing 24/7 diagnostic support for high-consequence, transboundary animal diseases, such as African Swine Fever and Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
Research Project: This is an opportunity to join this development team as a fellow and learn to create, evaluate, and validate rapid, accurate, and sensitive diagnostic methods for detecting disease pathogens. The fellow will have an opportunity to collaborate with NVSL diagnosticians, microbiologists, bioinformaticians and researchers to participate in laboratory, diagnostics and developmental project in support of the diagnostic mission.
Learning Objectives: The selected fellow will learn to test, adapt/develop novel diagnostics, verify results, and conduct limited research on molecular and microbiological assays as needed. The fellow will also have an opportunity to learn about zoonotic diseases, their impact on trade, learn surveillance procedures, diagnostic testing methodologies and algorithms, whole genome sequencing, and molecular epidemiology.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Robin Holland (Robin.Holland@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March 9, 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 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. The anticipated stipend range is $51,000 - $75,000 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 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.
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.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Research is performed in a BSL-2/3 laboratory. Interacting with unknown pathogenic agents mandates the use of biocontainment hoods and wearing personal protective gear, which is strenuous on the individual.
Preferred skills:
- Knowledge and background in virology/ molecular biology/serology/cell biology
- BSL-2 laboratory experience with hands-on experience in wet-lab procedures
- Interest in the development of diagnostic technologies for viral, bacterial and fungal diseases.
- Functional knowledge of molecular techniques such as: PCR; real-time PCR; PCR primer/probe design and DNA sequencing and analysis
- Functional knowledge in cell biology and serology
- Ability to independently design, perform, and interpret experiments
- Experience with diagnostic test interpretation and evaluation
- Excellent organizational skills, ability to multitask, collaborate and be in a team
- Proficiency in technical writing, oral communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
- Critical thinking skills to develop experimental approaches and interpret data.
- Demonstrated flexibility and self-motivation.
- Achievement oriented, and welcome use of a variety of approaches to address important, challenging scientific problems.
Stipend
$51,000.00 – $75,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.