USDA-ARS Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory Postdoctoral Fellowship: Maryland

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), United States

Updated: 12 months ago
Location: Beltsville, MARYLAND
Deadline: 23 Jun 2023

Agency
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Location
Beltsville, Maryland
Job Category
Post Doctoral Appointments
Salary
TBD
Last Date to Apply
06/23/2023
Website
https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/USDA-ARS-NE-2023-0169
Description
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis. ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available in the Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory (EMFSL) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) located in Beltsville, Maryland. 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. The mission of our USDA ARS Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory is to provide tools and information that enhance food safety by reducing food and water borne parasite transmission. Research Project: The participant will examine issues related to the detection and characterization of zoonotic and emerging parasites affecting food safety and public health including Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Giardia. Specifically, the incumbent will contribute research to generate, assemble, annotate, and compare whole genome sequences of protists parasites with roles in food safety. Additionally, novel parasite detection and differentiation strategies will be developed and assessed for their performance and potential use in agricultural settings. This research will be conducted at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory (EMFSL). The participant will design and conduct all aspects of the experiments, from sample processing through genome assembly and analysis, in consultation with ARS and academic collaborators. This includes sample purification or culture, DNA extraction, library preparation for sequencing on appropriate platforms, and assessment and comparison of bioinformatic tools for genome assembly and analysis. Participant will oversee comparative genomic studies of zoonotic protist parasites. Participant will also be charged with statistical analysis of data in consultation with ARS colleagues. The participant will learn methods to collect, concentrate, and identify zoonotic protist parasites. The participant will have the opportunity to learn more in-depth statistical analysis techniques, molecular biology tools, or bioinformatic skills through various trainings and workshops if desired, and through participating on inter-disciplinary projects within ARS. This is an integrated produce safety research project, and the participant will have opportunities to learn at each stage of the continuum. The participant can expect to present data / findings at international scientific meetings related to food safety /environmental microbiology, and regional (U.S. Mid-Atlantic region) meetings as well. USDA ARS EMFSL is in the metro-Washington, D.C. area at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), which provides ample interaction with ARS scientists as well as with other government research scientists and policymakers at regulatory agencies and in private industry. EMFSL has a strong history of collaborating with many different academic institutions and U.S. federal government agencies on large field- and laboratory-based research projects. ORISE fellows, post-doctoral research associates, and interns who have previously participated at EMFSL have had success in using their experience to gain different opportunities at the state and federal government levels, and with trade associations and in private industry. Learning Objectives: There are four learning objectives for the participant. 1) Develop collection strategies that facilitate the production of whole genome sequences of zoonotic protist parasites from complex substrates. 2) Determine the library preparation and sequencing techniques needed to utilize sequencing platforms for optimal genome production. 3) Design and optimize bioinformatic pipelines for data processing and performance of genome assembly. 4) Perform comparative genomics studies that will assist in determining the genetic basis of host specificity, pathogenicity, and virulence of protist parasites with roles in food safety. Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Jenny Maloney ([email protected]). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s). 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 an additional year 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, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation. 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 [email protected] and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Computational Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology), or be currently pursuing the degree to be received before September 1, 2023. Preferred Skills: Ability to work independently when needed and collaboratively when required Parasite collection and/or nucleic acid extraction techniques Basic microbiology skills (e.g., PCR experience, Microscopy experience, NGS experience) Bioinformatics skills and interest in learning new tools and skills for parasite genomes Organizing and formatting data for statistical analysis
Contact Person
[email protected]

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