USDA-ARS Bacterial Exopolysaccharides in Biofilm Formation, Viscosity, and Susceptibility to Enzymatic Degradation Fellowship

*Applications are 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 New Orleans, Louisiana.

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 project will test the hypothesis that bacterial exopolysaccharide composition, structure and size affects propensity of microbial isolates to form biofilms, increase fluid viscosity, and sensitivity to dextranase processing aid used during raw sugar extraction in factories. Genomes of  microbial isolates of Leuconostoc and Weissella and other isolates of interest will be sequenced and used for analysis of EPS-forming enzymes that may predict EPS structures that affect biofilm formation and other processing issues related to sugar processing.  Isolates will also be examined for biofilm formation. The participant will generate and analyze data and prepare manuscripts along with mentor.  Yearly appointment with possibility of extension. 

Learning Objectives: The participant will gain knowledge in genomics, exopolysaccharide carbohydrate chemistry analysis, biofilm reactor design, assembly and operation as well as isolation of EPS and plating for CFUs by automated spiral plater and software.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Gillian O. Bruni gillian.bruni@usda.gov. If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 15, 2024. 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 ORISE.ARS.Southeast@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 the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2024.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with genomics, fermenter and/or bioreactor experience or interest
• Familiarity with carbohydrate analysis methods, molecular biology, biochemistry or other relevant scientific disciplines

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2024 12:00:00 AM.