USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Theileria Program

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance via ORISE

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is offering a research opportunity with the USDA ARS in Pullman, WA. The project focuses on Theileria diagnostics, drug development, and vaccines for cattle and horses, with collaboration across ADRU–USDA and WSU. Start date Fall/Winter 2026, appointment for two years, full-time.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree or be within four years of completion. Citizenship is restricted to U.S. citizens.

Qualifications

• Must be pursuing or have completed a doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Degree must have been received within the last four years or expected by start date.

Responsibilities

• Participate in and analyze research experiments related to Theileria project.
• Collaborate with ADRU–USDA scientists and Washington State University faculty.
• Present seminars and defend thesis/dissertation as part of the academic activities.

Skills

Immunology

Infectious diseases

Diagnostics

Vaccine development

RNA-seq analysis

Statistics

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-HQ-2026-0111

Application Deadline

10/23/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

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 Pullman, Washington.

Description

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 participant will engage in activities related to the USDA Theileria project, including the development of novel diagnostics, drug treatments, and vaccines for controlling Theileria orientalis in cattle and Theileria equi and Theileria haneyi in horses. The project is conducted at the Animal Disease Research Unit (ADRU), ARS–USDA, in Pullman, WA. Participants will participate in and analyze research experiments and will have opportunities to collaborate with ADRU–USDA scientists and Washington State University (WSU) faculty. In addition, participants will engage in academic activities within the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, such as seminar presentations and thesis/dissertation defenses.

Learning Objectives

The participant will gain hands‑on experience in molecular biology, immunology, and other research areas aligned with the agency’s mission.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Fall/Winter 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length

The appointment will initially be for two years.

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 $75,068 annually.

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

• Currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.
• Degree must have been received within the past four years or is anticipated to be received by the appointment start date.

Preferred Skills

Knowledge of immunology, infection diseases, diagnostic and vaccine development, RNA seq analysis, and statistics are desirable.

Point of Contact

Janeen

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Biology (General)
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Veterinary Sciences
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).