USDA-ARS Research Opportunity in Influenza A Virus (IAV) Infection in Swine: Iowa

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Agency

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Location

Ames, Iowa

Job Category

Internships

Salary

TBD

Last Date to Apply

09/03/2021

Website

https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/USDA-ARS-2021-0185

Description

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline. ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity in virology is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center (NADC) Virus and Prion Research Unit (VPRU) located in Ames, Iowa. Scientists in this unit maintain a comprehensive influenza A virus (IAV) research program including investigation of virulence mechanisms, vaccinology, immunology, and virus evolution. 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 the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence. Research Project: Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in the following overall research activities: learning to execute technical methods, experimentation and procedures; conducting laboratory maintenance and safety practices; and learning to collect, analyze and maintain physical and electronic data in support of the Intervention Strategies to Control IAV Infection in Swine project plan. The participant will interact as a team member with the scientists and other laboratory staff in all phases of the research process. Specific goals of this project are to assess evolution of contemporary circulating IAV strains at genetic and antigenic levels, and quantify antigenic difference from vaccine strains by in vitro and in vivo methods. Learning Objectives: The participant will collaborate with the scientists and other laboratory staff in all phases of the research process (conception, study design, analysis, interpretation, and scientific writing). The participant will advance his or her knowledge in laboratory operations and techniques, bioinformatic and sequence analysis techniques, and collaborate in a team-oriented, multi-disciplinary influenza A virus research environment. The participant will have the opportunity to attend and present at local and/or national meetings upon acceptance of research abstract. Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Amy Vincent ([email protected]). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s). Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall 2021. 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, 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 must have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Preferred skills: - Additional knowledge of research and laboratory techniques - Experience and understanding in virology, immunology techniques - Performance of biologic laboratory assays, especially virology techniques - Use of animal models in influenza research, sequencing, sequence analysis, cell culture, serologic assays, immunologic assays - Technical writing and peer-reviewed publications, public speaking - Good interpersonal skills to collaborate in a team environment

Contact Person

[email protected]

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