Animal Caretaker in Biocontainment Training Program
The Global Health Research Complex (GHRC) at Texas A&M University will be hosting the Animal Caretaker in Biocontainment Training Program for summer 2027. 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 research facility. This program targets students interested in learning about careers working with animals within the biocontainment research field and will provide 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 — four weeks total
- June 7 – June 18, 2027: Texas A&M Global Health Research Complex (GHRC) in College Station, Texas.
- June 21 – July 2, 2027: USDA National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas.
- Participants must remain available for travel between locations during June 19–20, 2027.
- Travel between training locations will be coordinated by the program, with program-approved transportation expenses covered or reimbursed. Specific travel arrangements will be communicated to participants prior to the start of the program.
Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be at least 18 years old when the program starts (June 6, 2027).
- Must pass a background check.
Requirements
- Must be available to attend the entire training program in-person during June 7 to July 2, 2027, in College Station, Texas and Manhattan, Kansas.
- Applicants will be required to pass a full federal employee background check.
- Exhibit a strong interest in working with animals, specifically livestock species.
- Ability to perform physical activities related to caring for livestock species, including sweeping, shoveling, lifting bags of feed, etc.
- 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, the experiences you would like to obtain and how they might support your career goals.
Benefits
- Stipend ($2,000)
- Dorm-style housing will be provided during the training program for those who need accommodations.
- Pre-loaded meal card for use at campus dining locations.
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 10, 2027.
The selection committee will select up to five candidates for the 2027 Animal Caretaker Training Program. Selected applicants will be notified by email during the last week of January 2027.
Contact Information
Email: actp@tamu.edu
Phone: 979-458-5581