USDA-ARS Veterinary Internship in Characterizing Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Infection

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance through ORISE

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is offering a full-time research opportunity with USDA ARS in Ames, Iowa. You will join projects evaluating brucellosis, tuberculosis, leptospirosis and Johne's disease in domestic livestock, applying microbiological, immunological, and molecular techniques while following strict biosafety protocols.

The appointment starts December 2026 for one year (renewable).

Qualifications

• Laboratory experience with biological samples.
• Animal handling and sampling experience preferred.
• Good communication skills and ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on brucellosis, tuberculosis, leptospirosis and Johne’s disease in livestock.
• Use microbiological, immunological and molecular techniques under biocontainment procedures.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Animal handling

Team communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology/animal science or related field

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-MWA-2026-0346

Application Deadline

11/20/2026 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), located in Ames, Iowa. 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

You will be a part of research projects evaluating brucellosis, tuberculosis, leptospirosis and Johne's disease in domestic livestock. Aspects of the research agenda include in vitro research using microbiological, pathological, immunological, and/or molecular techniques to address research objectives. You will also gain experience in vivo studies by helping with sampling from animals inside and outside of biocontainment. You will help conduct research with zoonotic organisms and will be required to follow biosafety procedures specific to the zoonotic bacteria.

Learning Objectives

• Conduct research on brucellosis, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, and Johne’s disease in domestic livestock.
• Use microbiological, pathological, immunological, and/or molecular techniques and experience in safely working with zoonotic bacteria under various levels of biocontainment.
• Gain hands-on experience with in vitro studies designed to address research questions involving zoonotic pathogens.
• Demonstrate in vivo animal studies, including biological sample collection within and outside biocontainment settings.
• Recognize biosafety procedures for the safe handling of zoonotic organisms at varying levels of biocontainment.
• Explain animal health research, infectious-disease diagnostics, and laboratory safety practices.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

December 2026. 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.

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 in the one of the relevant fields (biology, animal science or similar fields). Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred Skills

• Laboratory experience evaluating biological samples.
• Experience in animal handling and sampling
• Good communication skills and the ability to be in a team setting.

Stipend

$42,000.00 – $48,000.00 Yearly

Point of Contact

Michele

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
• Life Health and Medical Sciences
• Agricultural Sciences
• Animal Sciences
• Basic Biomedical Sciences
• Bioinformatics
• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses
• Microbiology
• Physiology
• Veterinary Sciences
• Virology
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).