USDA-ARS Crop Genetic Diversity Fellowship
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Geneva, New York.
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.
The USDA-ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU), located on the Geneva, NY is part of the National Plant Germplasm System and has the mission of preserving genetic diversity of over 13,500 varieties of seed-based crops (tomatoes, vegetable brassicas, onions, winter squash, hemp, and more) and 6,000 varieties of clonal crops (apples, cold-hardy grapes, and tart cherries) for use in breeding and research. Specific activities of the PGRU include acquisition, documentation, maintenance, characterization, and distribution of these crops.
Research Project: The participant will have the opportunity to take part in projects to optimize plant care in outdoor and controlled environment conditions, sample collection for large-scale molecular and biochemical projects, and data collection/characterization of understudied fruit and vegetable varieties. The results will be made publicly available on the NPGS online database and will be used by breeders and researchers to improve the health and security of our crops and food systems.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will have opportunities to gain experience in:
- Plant care and propagation in a greenhouse setting
- Integrated pest management (IPM)
- Field-based projects related to the care of fruit trees, vines, and vegetable crops
- Collaborating with researchers to collect samples for large-scale molecular and biochemical analysis projects
- Data collection/characterization of a wide variety of crops
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Rebecca Povilus (Rebecca.Povilus@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: February/March 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $3,384 - $3,772 monthly.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Northeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in the one of the relevant fields (e.g. a related life sciences field). Degree must have been received within the past five years or anticipated to be received by start of appointment.
Favorable skills:
- Relevant Coursework in Biology, Plant Science, Horticulture, or Plant Breeding.
- Knowledge or understanding of plant production and greenhouse management and/or of basic scientific concepts, procedures and techniques is preferred.
Stipend
$3,384.00 – $3,772.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.