Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular/Cell Biology
The USDA-ARS Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit (FADRU) is searching for a postdoctoral fellow in Molecular/Cell Biology. The FADRU is located at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in Orient Point, New York. The incumbent will conduct microarray analysis and other molecular biological techniques to understand the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of foot-and-mouth disease virus. The project will focus on using genomic approaches to understand host-virus interaction and tissue tropism of the disease.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Recent Ph.D. in molecular biology or a related field is required. Knowledge and experience in DNA and RNA manipulation
and other basic molecular biology techniques are required.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Some of the work will be carried out in BioSafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment in modern, well equipped laboratory space.
While selectee will not enter in an employment relationship with USDA, DHS or any other agency, this position requires
the selectee to undergo a pre-employment check and a full background investigation. Any offer made is considered a
tentative offer pending the outcome of the pre-employment check. Retention in the position is based upon a favorable
adjudication of the background investigation. Incumbent may be required to be immunized against diseases being studied
at the facility which are transmittable to humans. Selectee will be subject to drug testing prior to entrance on duty.
FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION:
Dr. James J. Zhu
Plum Island Animal Disease Center
ARS, USDA
P.O. Box 848
Greenport, NY 11944
Phone: (631) 323-3186
Email: james.zhu@ars.usda.gov
Postdoctoral Fellowship on FMDV Molecular Biology
The ARS, USDA Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit is seeking a candidate with research experience in virology/molecular biology to participate in the development of strategies for prevention of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) infection working in the areas of pathogenesis and vaccine discovery. The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. degree and is expected to conduct independent work and to interact productively with colleagues in the Unit. The research project builds upon previous research where viruses have been derived from FMDV infectious cDNA clones that are attenuated in animals and carry specific antigenic markers to distinguish vaccinated from infected animals. Experience in cell culture, virus propagation, molecular biology, and recombinant DNA technology is desired. Research is carried out at the under BioSafety Level3 (BSL-3) containment in modern, well equipped laboratory space. The USDA-ARS Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit consists of 45 scientists including 8 principal investigators, postdoctoral, ORISE fellows, graduate students and support personnel.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RESEARCH PROGRAM PLEASE CONTACT:
Dr. Elizabeth Rieder
Email: elizabeth.rieder@ars.usda.gov
Postdoctoral Fellow Research Appointment
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, Agriculture Security Program, is immediately seeking a highly motivated and energetic Post-Doctoral fellow to join the Foreign Animal Disease Biological Countermeasure Development Team at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC).
The incumbent will be responsible for championing the design, execution, analysis and reporting of in vitro and large animal studies focused on discovery and advancement of molecular biotherapeutic anti-viral product candidates towards full development. The project will identify and test novel molecular biotherapeutic product candidates against Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus. Research will be conducted in BSL-3 Ag containment laboratory and animal facilities using state-of-the-art equipment and technologies.
Candidates must possess a strong background in molecular virology and or immunology with a proven track record of success. Research experience in livestock immunology and/or innate immune mechanisms of anti-viral host protection is preferred. Individuals with a PhD in biological sciences and/or DVM degree are encouraged to apply. This is an excellent educational opportunity to become familiar with DHS scientific programs for future career progression. This position is available immediately and funded for 1 year with the opportunity of renewal for up to 5 years.
Computational/Molecular Biologist
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The position is located at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in Orient Point, New York. The incumbent will conduct DNA
microarray design, microarray analysis, and protein domain annotation to understand the molecular pathogenesis of
foot-and-mouth disease virus and classical swine fever virus. The project will focus on using genome sequences and
other biological information to enhance microarray design and data analysis. The incumbent will develop bioinformatics
tools to extract biological information for microarray design and data analysis.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Recent Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, molecular biology, or a related field is required. For the computational biologist, this
research assignment requires the understanding of standard bioinformatics methods and tools, databases, and computer
programming skills using PERL or other computer languages. Demonstrated proficiency in both Windows and UNIX/Linux
environments are also required. For molecular biologists, knowledge in DNA microarray and basic molecular biology
techniques are required and experience in laser-capture microdissection is desirable.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Some of the research will be carried out in BioSafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment in modern, well equipped laboratory
space. While selectee will not enter in an employment relationship with USDA, DHS or any other agency, selectee will be
required to undergo a pre-employment check and a full background investigation. Any offer made is considered a tentative
offer pending the outcome of the pre-employment check. Retention in the position is based upon a favorable adjudication
of the background investigation. Incumbent may be required to be immunized against diseases being studied at the facility
which are transmittable to humans. Selectee will be subject to drug testing prior to entrance on duty.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION:
Dr. James J. Zhu
Plum Island Animal Disease Center
ARS, USDA
P.O. Box 848
Greenport, NY 11944
Phone: (631) 323-3186
Email: james.zhu@ars.usda.gov
Postgraduate Research Opportunities
Applicants must have recently completed a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate in veterinary medicine, pathology, immunology, molecular biology, virology, bioinformatics, epidemiology, and other disciplines related to understanding pathogenesis, immune response and vaccine and antiviral development against foreign animal diseases.
Participants will be involved in research activities related to foreign animal diseases (FADs), including but not limited to:
- Development of more sensitive and accurate methods of disease agent detection and identification
- Development of new strategies to control disease epidemics, including rDNA vaccines, antiviral drugs, and transgenic, disease-resistant animals
- Assessment of risks involved in importation of animals and animal products from countries where epidemic FADs occur
- Diagnostic investigations of suspect cases of FAD outbreaks in U.S. livestock
- Tests of animals in animal products to be imported into the U.S. to make sure those imports are free of FAD agents
- Production and maintenance reagents used in diagnostic tests and vaccines for FADs