Research Opportunity in Poultry Diseases

A research opportunity in poultry diseases is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Endemic Poultry Viral Diseases Research Unit (EPVDRU) in Athens, Georgia.

The project involves the genetic engineering of large DNA viruses the naturally infect avian species. Specifically using state of the art recombination DNA techniques our goals are to manipulated the viral genomes of the avian herpesviruses, Marek's disease and infectious laryngotracheitis viruse in order to create vaccines. The participant will be involved in one or more phases of the research process by performing laboratory and technical assays, and conducting a variety of fundamental and applied studies needed to diagnose, control and eradicate endemic poultry diseases.

The participant will learn how to operate and maintain specialized equipment and automated systems and associated software (i.e., PCR thermocycler, spectrophotometer, photo documentation system, Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100, electrophoresis apparatus, centrifuges, autoclaves, etc.).

The participant will learn how to propagate viruses, and characterize viruses by biological or molecular assays (e.g., cell culture, reverse transcriptase, polymerase chain reaction, DNA and RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, molecular cloning, next generation sequencing: Illumina, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, restriction endonuclease digestion, gel electrophoresis, western blotting, white light and fluorescence microscopy, and immunostaining.
 
The participant will collect, prepare, evaluate and verify samples and supporting records, as well as, maintain records and compile data and other information from various sources.  The participant will also keep detailed records of experimental data, tabulate, and statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software programs.

The participant will learn how to maintain inventory of chemicals, stock solutions, etc., prepare solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, glassware preparation and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological) with general laboratory maintenance.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and USDA ARS. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of USDA ARS contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is part-time. Participants do not become employees of USDA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

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.

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.