USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research - Detection and Molecular Characterization of Foodborne Pathogens

About the role

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to work on the development of rapid detection and identification methods for foodborne pathogens.

Responsibilities

• Gain exposure to research areas including stress response, evolution and mutation, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, intervention strategies, and rapid pathogen detection.
• Participate in projects focused on the development of rapid detection, identification, and confirmation methods for foodborne pathogens such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter.
• Develop an understanding of analytical challenges associated with complex food matrices and detection of low levels of pathogens in the presence of background microbial flora.
• Develop skills in evaluating approaches designed to reduce or eliminate culture enrichment steps in order to improve testing speed and cost efficiency.
• Contribute to efforts aimed at improving rapid, accurate, and practical methods for foodborne pathogen monitoring and identification.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Preferred skills include molecular biology techniques, whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic data analysis, rapid method development and validation, and sample preparation for food safety analysis.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen Only
• Doctoral Degree in Life Health and Medical Sciences

Skills

• Molecular biology techniques
• Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic data analysis
• Rapid method development and validation
• Sample preparation for food safety analysis

Benefits

Participants will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $6,857 monthly.

Pay

$6,857 monthly

Schedule

Full-time

Contact

For questions about the application process, please email ORISE at ARS.Northeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

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