PIADC Biodefense Postdoctoral Opportunity in Veterinary Molecular Epidemiology

The Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) Research Participation Program offers biodefense research opportunities to motivated students and postgraduates interested in developing novel strategies to control foreign animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever virus (ASFV). Positions are with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit (FADRU) at PIADC. The program is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate.

PIADC USDA is seeking individuals for the following position:

Biodefense Postdoctoral Opportunity in Veterinary Molecular Epidemiology: The postdoctoral research position in veterinary molecular epidemiology will primarily involve conducting research related to viral molecular evolution, descriptive epidemiology, and pathogenesis of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) working within the PIADC BSL-3 containment laboratory. The emphasis will be on endemic FMDV ecology and the role of asymptomatic carriers as potential reservoirs. Some travel to study sites in endemic regions may be required. The position is available immediately and is funded for 1 year, with the opportunity of renewal for up to 5 years.

PIADC is the only U.S. laboratory facility performing research, development and diagnosis of foreign animal diseases of highest threat to the U.S. This critical national asset is located off the northeast coast of Long Island, NY, and accessible by government-provided ferry from Orient Point, NY, and Old Saybrook, CT. Research at PIADC is performed on animal diseases that threaten the nation's animal industries and exports. One of the missions of FADRU is to investigate foreign animal diseases (FADs) in their endemic settings to help mitigate the risks of catastrophic economic losses caused by these pathogens in the event of accidental or deliberate introduction to the United States.

The PIADC Research Participation Program does NOT have application deadlines; applications are accepted for each position until the position is filled.