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

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education seeks a doctoral student or recent PhD to engage in Theileria-related research at ADRU, ARS–USDA in Pullman, WA. You will develop diagnostics, drug treatments, and vaccines, collaborating with ARS and WSU researchers while presenting seminars and defending theses. The role provides a full-time appointment starting Oct 1, 2026 (flexible) for two years, with a monthly stipend commensurate with education and experience.

Citizenship: U.S. only.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field, earned within the past four years or anticipated by start date.
• Knowledge of immunology, infectious diseases, diagnostic and vaccine development, RNA-seq analysis, and statistics.

Responsibilities

• Engage in molecular biology and immunology research aligned with ARS mission.
• Collaborate with ADRU–USDA scientists and WSU faculty on project activities.
• Assist in development of diagnostics, drug treatments, and vaccines for Theileria orientalis and other Theileria species.

Skills

Immunology

Infectious diseases

Diagnostics & vaccines

RNA-Seq analysis

Statistics

Education

Doctoral degree

Job 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), located in Pullman, Washington.

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. They 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, the participant 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:

October 1, 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

The qualified candidate should be 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.