USDA-ARS Research on Development and Evaluation of a Modified Salmonella Vaccine
*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 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: This research opportunity will take place at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (NLAE) in Ames, IA. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will have the opportunity to conduct laboratory experiments and animal trials focused on the development and evaluation of a modified Salmonella vaccine platform for targeted pathogen elimination. Participants will gain hands-on research experience in a professional scientific environment.
Learning Objectives: The participant will have the opportunity to train with a team of microbiologists. Learning opportunities for the participant may include learning or enhancing skills in the following areas: bacteriology, microbial genetics (transformation, transduction, conjugation, and recombineering), animal models of infectious disease (particularly poultry), and molecular biology techniques (e.g. DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, gene cloning and expression).
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Bradley Bearson (brad.bearson@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for ten months 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. The anticipated stipend range is $3,777 - $4,155 monthly.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
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 have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields.
Preferred skills:
- Bacteriology, microbial genetics (transformation, transduction, conjugation, recombineering), animal models of infectious disease (particularly poultry), molecular biology techniques (e.g. DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, gene cloning), and immunological assays (e.g. ELISA).
- Enthusiastic and self-motivated with good communication skills.
Stipend
$3,777.00 – $4,155.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree.