USDA-ARS Fellowship on Livestock Arthropod Pest Genomics and Biotechnology

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) located in Edinburg, Texas.

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: This appointment is designed to provide an interested individual with in-depth experience participating in a genomics research laboratory applying next-generation sequencing techniques to mine genomes for novel biotechnological solutions. Specific learning activities will involve testing DNA and RNA constructs and products for activity against target pests, and conducting efficacy tests against pests infesting livestock. Current research includes, but is not limited to, vaccines against livestock pests, RNAi systems, and genetic pest management.

Learning Objectives: The appointment is designed to provide an interested individual with in-depth experience conducting research in a genomics research laboratory applying next-generation sequencing techniques to mine genomes for novel biotechnological solutions. One goal of this project is to examine the potential use of tick salivary glands and midgut derived extracellular vesicles as vaccine candidates against ticks. The participant will learn to identify antigenic proteins within these vesicles by Parallel Accumulation Serial Fragmentation (PASEF) MS/MS spectrometry using a timsTOF pro. The participant will learn to dissect out salivary glands and midguts and to isolate and cultivate extracellular vesicles in media. The individual will acquire experience immobilizing the vesicles in glow discharged grids, staining with phosphotungstic acid and visualization of the vesicles with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The participant will learn to quantify vesicles using a Nanosight LM10 and the concentration of protein in the samples will be determined using bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay. The participant will learn to use confocal microscopy to image murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) stained with CellMask green plasma membrane stain interacting with extracellular vesicles labeled with PKH26 (orange) measured as Arbitrary fluorescent units.

The participant will learn through experience in the development of vaccines. Immunoglobulin (IgG) levels will be measured using IgG ELISA kits. The individual will learn to purify the IgG from the serum using NAb™ Protein G spin columns. These antibodies will then be used for direct ELISA to evaluate the reactivity of antibodies against extracellular vesicle lysates. The participant will learn to measure Antibody levels in serum using a sandwich ELISA. The individual will learn from direct participation in a real world trial of the efficacy of tick extracellular vesicles derived vaccines in the control of ticks in cattle.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Joann Growney (joann.growney@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 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 for up to three additional years 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 ORISE.ARS.Plains@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred Skills:

• Hands-on experience working in laboratory and field settings is preferred.
• Fundamental skills include basic microbiological sterile techniques, proficiency with protein expression systems, the ability to strictly follow established microbiological and molecular biology laboratory protocols, and the propensity for applied studies under field conditions.