Animal Caretaker in Biocontainment Training Program
The Global Health Research Complex (GHRC) at Texas A&M University is accepting applications for the Animal Caretaker in Biocontainment Training Program for summer 2024. This program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS), is designed to build technical skills and knowledge needed to work with animals in a biocontainment laboratory. This program targets students interested in understanding and pursuing a career in animal health and biocontainment research and will provide a experience and introductory training through lectures and hands-on experiences in:
- Animal husbandry and management in biocontainment environments
- Role of animal research in supporting health and agriculture
- Fundamentals of biosafety and biosecurity principles
- Selection and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Learning and applying common procedures in a large animal biocontainment research setting
Overview: Summer training — six weeks total
- June 10 – June 28 short course at the Texas A&M GHRC in College Station, Texas.
- July 8 – July 26 externship at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas.
Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be at least 18 years old when program starts (June 2024).
- Applicants will be required to pass a background check.
Requirements
- Must be available to attend the entire 6-week training program in-person during June-July 2024 in College Station, Texas and Manhattan, Kansas.
- Exhibit a strong interest in working with animals, specifically livestock species.
- Submit a completed Animal Caretaker Training Program application form (PDF) as well as a letter of interest describing why you are interested in this program, experiences you would like to obtain and how they might support your career goals.
Benefits
- $3,000 stipend
- Dorm-style housing will be provided during the training program for those who need accommodations.
Application and selection process
Completed applications should be submitted via email to: actp@tamu.edu.
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on Jan 16, 2024.
The search committee will select up to six candidates for the 2024 Animal Caretaker Training Program. Selected applicants will be notified by email in February 2024.
Contact Information
Email: actp@tamu.edu
Phone: 979-458-5581