USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellow in Crustacean Disease Research

About the role

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to conduct research on White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in crustacean aquaculture systems. The research will involve using molecular tools to survey, monitor, and detect WSSV in ponds, sediment, and farmed shrimp and crawfish.

Responsibilities

• Apply molecular tools to survey, monitor, and detect WSSV in aquaculture systems.
• Gain hands-on experience with in-vitro microbiology and molecular biology techniques to identify and confirm WSSV in pond water, sediment, and farmed shrimp and crawfish.
• Investigate virus movement and transmission pathways to better understand WSSV ecology and spread.
• Generate data that supports the development of improved diagnostic tools and disease prevention strategies.
• Align research efforts with ARS priorities aimed at reducing disease-related losses in crustacean aquaculture.

Requirements

• Received or will receive a doctoral degree by the start of the appointment in relevant fields such as Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field in Biological Sciences.
• Knowledge and background in aquaculture, microbiology, molecular biology, virology and bioinformatics.
• Demonstrated flexibility and self-motivation.
• Experience with experimental design as well as performing experiments and interpreting results.
• Functional knowledge of molecular techniques such as PCR, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), DNA sequencing and viral analysis.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to multitask, collaborate and be in a team.
• Proficiency in technical writing, oral communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.

Skills

• Knowledge and background in aquaculture, microbiology, molecular biology, virology and bioinformatics.
• Demonstrated flexibility and self-motivation.
• Experience with experimental design as well as performing experiments and interpreting results.
• Functional knowledge of molecular techniques such as PCR, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), DNA sequencing and viral analysis.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to multitask, collaborate and be in a team.
• Proficiency in technical writing, oral communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

Pay

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $60,000 - $78,000 annually.

Schedule

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Contact

To apply, please visit the ORISE website and follow the application instructions. Questions about the application process can be directed to ORISE.ARS.Southeast@orau.org.