Post-Bachelor's Opportunity: Pathogenesis of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP)

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and USDA ARS/NADC in Ames, IA invite applications for a post-graduate fellowship focusing on bovine respiratory disease and pathogen-host interactions. The appointment is full-time for one year with potential renewal pending funding.

You will gain experience in BSL-2/BSL-3 biosafety, perform laboratory tasks, analyze samples, and contribute to research presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Life Health and Medical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Microbiology, or Veterinary Sciences.
• Must be able to pass an FBI Security Risk Assessment.

Responsibilities

• Assist investigations of pathogen-host interactions and bovine respiratory disease.
• Perform laboratory activities in BSL-2/BSL-3 environments; process samples and assess bacterial persistence in tissues.
• Participate in laboratory or animal trials and contribute to data interpretation.
• Prepare and present research findings and experiences in professional settings.

Skills

BSL-2 Laboratory Experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-MWA-2026-0332

Application Deadline

11/13/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

• 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), National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, IA.

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

The National Animal Disease Center in Ames, IA, is the American farmer's one-stop shop for animal health, food safety, and disease research. We have the experience, expertise, and biosecurity needed to work with all economically important livestock, poultry, and wildlife—from chickens to bison and everything in between. A fellowship opportunity for a post‑graduate is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, IA. The opportunity is in the Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, which conducts basic and applied research on bovine respiratory disease and foreign Mycoplasma species that are biosecurity concerns. You will help investigate the mechanisms of pathogenesis and pathogen-host interactions of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm), the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia. You will help perform laboratory activities promoting biosafety, identifying the persistence of bacterial colonization from collected samples, and assessing the presence/absence of bacteria from infected tissues. You may also participate in laboratory or animal trials for bovine respiratory disease or perform computational research. You will gain laboratory skills through experience in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories. You will also be provided opportunities to present research experience and findings.

Learning Objectives

• Understand foundational and advanced concepts in pathogen-host interactions and Mycoplasma pathogenesis, with a focus on Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides.
• Develop practical laboratory skills in BSL-2 and BSL-3 environments, including biosafety practices, sample processing, and detection of bacterial persistence in tissues.
• Conduct studies related to bovine respiratory disease
• Apply computational or analytical processes used to assess pathogen presence/absence and interpret experimental data.
• Understand research approaches used in animal health, food safety, and biosecurity, especially within USDA’s National Animal Disease Center mission.
• Present research findings and experiences in professional settings.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Daniel Nielsen ([e-mail]). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

January 2027. 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.

The anticipated stipend is $3,874 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 [e-mail] and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Must be able to pass an FBI Security Risk Assessment

Preferred Qualifications

• BSL-2 laboratory experience using sterile technique

Stipend

$3,874.00 Monthly

Point of Contact

Michele

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 72 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses
  • Microbiology
  • Veterinary Sciences
• Age: Must be 18 years of age