The Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) Research Participation Program is designed to provide a flow of qualified researchers to participate in current research activities aimed at developing advanced technologies and countermeasures against foreign animal diseases. This program is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate.

Research is conducted at PIADC—a unique research facility and critical national asset located off the northeast coast of Long Island, NY, and accessible by ferry from Orient Point, NY, and Old Saybrook, CT. Research at PIADC is performed on animal diseases that threaten the nation's animal industries and exports. One of the missions of PIADC is to develop technologies to help mitigate the risks of catastrophic economic losses caused by foreign animal disease (FAD) agents accidentally or deliberately introduced into the United States.

Learn more about PIADC

Learn more about the DHS role at PIADC

The objectives of the PIADC Research Participation Program include:

• Providing research training/education opportunities in foreign animal diseases;
• Providing a flow of researchers interested in pursuing careers in fields related to foreign animal diseases;
• Promoting the influx of new ideas and skills to achieve the PIADC mission;
• Enhancing interactions with the wider academic, research and private sector communities.

The PIADC Research Participation Program provides opportunities for postdoctoral fellows, postgraduates, faculty, students and visiting scientists.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have or be completing an undergraduate (B.A., B.S. or equivalent) or graduate (M.S., DVM, Ph.D., MD or equivalent) degree in veterinary medicine, pathology, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, virology, epidemiology, computational biology, biostatistics, or other discipline related to foreign animal diseases.
• Have or be eligible to obtain a security clearance.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, or be eligible for a J-1 visa, if a foreign national.

This is an equal opportunity program open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era.

How to Apply

Submit an application package, which includes all of the following:

• Completed application form
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• References, transcripts and other documents (if requested during the selection process)

Important Information

• Incomplete applications may not be considered.
• All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

The completed application may be submitted as an e-mail attachment addressed to piadc@orau.org or you may mail a paper copy to:

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
PIADC Research Participation Program
P.O. Box 117, MS 36
Oak Ridge, TN  37831-0117

When is the Application Deadline?

The PIADC Research Participation Program does NOT have application deadlines. Applications are accepted on a continuing basis.

• Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) staff screen the applications to ensure that each is complete and that the applicant meets the basic eligibility criteria.
• Application packages are submitted to PIADC research team leaders for evaluation.
• References, transcripts and other documents may be requested during the selection process.
• Appointments will be made on the basis of research team needs and availability of funds.
• Best-qualified applicants might be invited for an in-person interview.
• Final selection is made by the PIADC staff.
• Participants will work with PIADC staff to initiate the security clearance process and arrange entrance-on-duty.
• ORISE will administer the appointments of selected individuals. 

Note: Applications will be copied and used solely for the purpose of selecting fellows and administering the PIADC Research Participation Program. Disclosure of the information is subject to Public Law 93-579 (Privacy Act of 1974).

This program is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) through an interagency agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Participants will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, DOE, DHS, USDA, or any other office or agency.

Activation of the appointment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the selection, security clearance and visa requirements.

If offered, participants have the option to purchase health insurance coverage from ORISE.

Benefits

• Benefits may include monthly stipends commensurate with degree level, research areas and experience
• Partial medical/health insurance coverage
• Limited travel/moving reimbursement

Length of Appointment

Typically appointments are for 12 months. Appointments may be renewed for up to five years contingent upon satisfactory performance, type of appointment and availability of funds.

Obligations

• Appointments involve a full-time commitment to the assigned research project at PIADC or at designated collaborating institutions as deemed necessary by PIADC scientific staff.
• Participants must commit to continuous resident participation for the duration of the appointment and avoid obligations that will interrupt their research during their tenure. The participant's research must be conducted in a manner and according to a time schedule that meets the overall research needs of PIADC.
• Participants are required to present to PIADC reports summarizing their research progress during their appointment. In addition, participants are required to submit to PIADC a final report including an abstract of the research conducted during the appointment. All published reports, journal articles, or professional presentations that rely on the research conducted during the appointment must acknowledge the Plum Island Animal Disease Center Research Participation Program and the agency supporting the research at PIADC.