A postdoctoral researcher position is available in the laboratory of Tracy L Nicholson at the National Animal Disease Center (NADC). Applicants with an interest in the molecular mechanisms that underlie bacterial and polymicrobial (viral-bacterial) host-pathogen interactions, transmission dynamics, the contributions of biofilms to the pathogenesis of respiratory disease, and the immune response to these diseases are encouraged to apply.

Current research projects include identifying virulence factors and evaluating the molecular mechanisms used by respiratory bacterial pathogens, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, Haemophilus parasuis, and Streptococcus suis, to colonize, cause disease, and transmit in their natural host. The selected applicant’s main activities will include genetic modification of bacterial strains, performing biofilm assays, measuring swine immune responses, analyzing RNA and DNA sequencing data to identify genetic elements that contribute to disease outcomes, and evaluating pathogenesis using molecular tools both in cell culture and in swine infection studies.

National Animal Disease Center (NADC) is the premier research institute within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for studying diseases of large animals, and is located in Ames Iowa. At the NADC, scientists are able to investigate microbe-host interactions from every perspective—molecular, microbe, and natural host.

For more information about the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website: https://orise.orau.gov/usda-ars/

Qualifications: To be eligible, applicants must have received a doctorate degree in Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology or equivalent degree, within five years of the desired starting date. Relevant fields include microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and infectious diseases.

For more details and to apply, please see the following link: https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/USDA-ARS-2019-0052

ORISE is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs. ORISE and USDA/ARS are Equal Opportunity Employers.