USDA-ARS Internship on Pathobiology of Chronic Wasting Disease and Other Prion Diseases
How to apply: In order to apply to any posting, you will need to make a profile account in Zintellect at https://www.zintellect.com/. Once your profile is made, you will be able to apply to postings.
A complete application consists of:
- An application
- Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
- Two educational or professional recommendations
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
Application Deadline
12/31/2023 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), with the Prion Disease Research Team 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: Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected candidate will conduct research on the transmission, differentiation, and pathobiology of prion diseases in livestock and laboratory animal models. This research group focuses on understanding the development of prion disease in natural host species (cattle, sheep, goats, deer), testing the potential for prion agents to pass between species, and developing new diagnostic methodologies. Current research focuses heavily on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) of cervids. Activities may include the collection of ante- and postmortem samples, analysis of macro- and microscopic lesions, testing samples for abnormal prion protein, and the use of molecular techniques to characterize prion agents and host pathobiology.
Come Join Our Prion Disease Research Team! https://youtu.be/6rOlSP8i62Y
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2023. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment length varies; summer opportunities and full year appointments are available. Appointments may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and are 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).
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.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields.
Preferred skills for current undergraduate students:
- Open to learning laboratory techniques.
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently on assigned projects.
Preferred skills for the post-bachelors:
- Experience with laboratory assays such as immunohistochemistry, PCR, ELISA, or western blot
- Ability to conduct research independently, as well as part of a team while building and nurturing collaborations with external research groups.
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree.
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-MW-2023-0031