THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: The position is located at the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory in Athens, Georgia. The incumbent will be responsible for developing Newcastle disease virus (NDV)-based recombinant multivalent vaccines against NDV and avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) or other avian viral diseases. Research will involve constructing recombinant cDNA clones of NDV, rescuing infectious chimeric viruses, characterizing the recombinant viruses in vitro and in vivo, and evaluating immune responses and protective efficacy of multivalent vaccine candidates in poultry. Work with infected animals and cells will be performed in our BSL-2/3 biocontainment facility. The scientist will be responsible for disseminating research results at scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed scientific publications.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Recent Ph.D. in virology, molecular biology, immunology or a related field is required. A strong background in general molecular genetic techniques including RNA isolation, PCR and RT-PCR design and applications, cloning and sequencing, transfection and gene expression is necessary. Experience in primary and secondary cell culture and virus propagation is necessary. Knowledge of avian paramyxovirus immunology, generation of viral recombinants and an interest in animal studies are desirable.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:   This position requires the selectee to undergo a pre-employment check and a full background investigation. Any offer made is considered a tentative job offer pending the outcome of the pre-employment check. Retention in the position is based upon a favorable adjudication of the background investigation. 

CITIZENSHIP RESTRICTIONS APPLY:  Applicants must clearly indicate in their
resume/CV their country of citizenship.  To be employed as a Postdoctoral Research
Associate with ARS, applicants must be a citizen from a country listed on the following
link:  http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/jobs/VISA/countries.htm

INFORMATION ON APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR POSTDOCTORAL
POSITIONS is available at: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/hrdhomepage/vacancy/pd962.html

INFORMATION ON EMPLOYEE BENEFITS is available at:
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.asp

FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF
THIS POSITION OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CONTACT

Dr. Qingzhong Yu
USDA/ARS/SEPRL
934 College Station Road
Athens, GA 30605
Phone: (706) 546-3628 (office); (706) 546-3629 (lab)
Fax: (706) 546-3161
Email: qingzhong.yu@ars.usda.gov