Status: Full-time position
Location: Orient Point, NY
Deadline Date: 2/19/13
Date Available:
Job Summary: This position is located in the Diagnostic Section of the Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL), NVSL, Plum Island. The function of this section is to provide diagnosis for disease of domestic animals which are exotic to the United States; conduct safety tests on biological reagents which are imported into the United States from areas where exotic animal diseases exist; and maintain diagnostic expertise by using state-of-the-art methodology. The purpose of this position is to produce and characterize essential components for a novel competitive ELISA for the detection of swine antibodies against the 3D protein of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV), specifically to differentiate infected and vaccinated animals.
You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. MRP offers an array of occupations and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team!
Qualifications: A. Degree in microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that includes at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganism, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. OR
B.Combination of education and experience-courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Duties: Work independently on leading a developmental project from the design of the assay to the preparation of molecular and serological reagents.
Performs diagnostic bench and field validation processes with a large number of select agent samples.
Sub-clones chimeric fusion and truncated proteins and identifying reactive epitopes.
Works with indirect and competitive antibody ELISAs using peptides as the coating antigen to identify the antigenic regions of the 3D proteins with swine serum.
Purifies recombinant proteins using a variety of techniques (ion exchange, affinity chromatography, size exchange) using a FPLC.
Inoculates, works with, and takes samples from large animals, specifically from virally infected experimental pigs.
Works together with internal and external groups on the production and screening of monoclonal antibodies.
Prepares progress reports for internal and external peers.
To Apply:
Resume
Responses to the vacancy specific questions (you will be prompted to complete these questions during the online application process)
Supporting Documentation which may be required
For more information or to apply online, visit
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/337119400