Post-Bachelor's : Pathogenesis of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia; CBPP

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-MWA-

11/13/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, IA.

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.

The National Animal Disease Center in Ames, IA, is the American farmer's one-stop shop for animal health, food safety, and disease research. We have the experience, expertise, and biosecurity needed to work with all economically important livestock, poultry, and wildlife—from chickens to bison and everything in between. A fellowship opportunity for a post‑graduate is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, IA.

The opportunity is in the Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, which conducts basic and applied research on bovine respiratory disease and foreign Mycoplasma species that are biosecurity concerns. You will help investigate the mechanisms of pathogenesis and pathogen-host interactions of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm), the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia. You will help perform laboratory activities promoting biosafety, identifying the persistence of bacterial colonization from collected samples, and assessing the presence/absence of bacteria from infected tissues.

You may also participate in laboratory or animal trials for bovine respiratory disease or perform computational research. You will gain laboratory skills through experience in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories. You will also be provided opportunities to present research experience and findings.

• Understand foundational and advanced concepts in pathogen-host interactions and Mycoplasma pathogenesis, with a focus on Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides.
• Develop practical laboratory skills in BSL-2 and BSL-3 environments, including biosafety practices, sample processing, and detection of bacterial persistence in tissues.
• Conduct studies related to bovine respiratory disease
• Apply computational or analytical processes used to assess pathogen presence/absence and interpret experimental data.
• Understand research approaches used in animal health, food safety, and biosecurity, especially within USDA’s National Animal Disease Center mission.
• Present research findings and experiences in professional settings.

The mentor for this opportunity is Daniel Nielsen (daniel.nielsen). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

January 2027. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

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

The appointment is full time.

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

The anticipated stipend is $3,874 monthly.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

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…