USDA-ARS Research Fellowship in Behavioral Pest Management for Vegetable Crops
*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 Beltsville, Maryland.
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.
Research Project: This project aims to investigate behavioral control of vegetable pests to advance sustainable pest management and safeguard crop productivity of vegetable crops in the US. The fellow will sample, evaluate, and collect field populations, and maintain laboratory colonies to investigate attraction of key pest species to candidate attractants, including pheromones. Using field and laboratory bioassays, fellow will gain experience by conducting research on the biology, ecology and behavior of beetles and true bugs, and their impact on vegetable crops including squash and potato. Areas of research include chemical ecology, insect behavior and integrated pest management. Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow will conduct research in both laboratory and field settings and also participate in multi-institutional team-based research efforts. The project will evaluate various attractants and combinations with traps and other pest management tactics, to determine effective outcomes for pest management. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, stakeholder reports, and annual progress updates, directly supporting improved opportunities for effective pest management strategies and strengthening agricultural resilience.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will learn about and gain experience in:
- Conducting and testing insect rearing methods and behavioral bioassays.
- Conducting laboratory and field research aimed at developing sustainable management tactics for agricultural pests.
- Conducting chemical ecology studies to identify potential attractants or repellents.
- Collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team.
- Performing statistical analyses and reporting related scientific findings.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Donald C. Weber (don.weber@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: February 2, 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 $45,000 - $60,000 annually.
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 have received or be currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields.
Preferred skills:
- Experience with field research experiments, especially in agriculture, and handling and rearing of insects is very desirable.
Stipend
$45,000.00 – $60,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.