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U.S. Department of Agriculture
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USDA-APHIS HPAI Modeling in Livestock U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in United States
Degree Level
Master's, PhD
Field of study
Biology
Funding
Stipend of $64,000.00–$90,000.00 yearly; appointment initially for two years and may be extended depending on funds.
Deadline
Jan 1, 2027
Country
United States
University
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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About this position
This research opportunity with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) focuses on modeling highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in livestock, with an emphasis on cattle herds that experience prolonged HPAI detection. The project is designed to strengthen understanding of disease dynamics and to refine data-driven analytical tools that can support cattle-health program decisions.
Working within APHIS in Fort Collins, Colorado, the participant will collaborate with scientists and decision-makers to collect and integrate field data for the development of HPAI risk models. The work includes exploring how functional analytical tools can inform national programmatic decisions and policy, especially where surveillance, detection, and response strategies intersect.
The appointment provides exposure to a broad applied research environment spanning diagnostic-test evaluation, risk-based surveillance, disease management, and quarantine-release strategies. Under guidance from mentor Katie Portacci, the participant will contribute to methods intended to improve disease monitoring, response, and control efforts in a livestock-health context.
Funding details
Stipend of $64,000.00–$90,000.00 yearly; appointment initially for two years and may be extended depending on funds.
What's required
The candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field such as Statistics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Ecology, Operations Research, Biology, or Veterinary Medicine. Preferred qualifications include experience in biological and population or epidemiological modeling, including infectious disease and ecological applications; strong quantitative skills in Bayesian statistics and regression modeling in an applied setting; experience with study design in observational and experimental contexts, including wet lab and field work; and proficiency in R, GitHub, and Bayesian computational methods using MCMC frameworks such as JAGS, STAN, or NIMBLE. U.S. citizenship is required.
How to apply
Scroll to the bottom of the opportunity page and click APPLY. Submit the application, transcript(s), current resume/CV, and two educational or professional recommendations, with all documents in English or accompanied by official English translations.
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