USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sugarcane Breeding & Gene Editing
Application Deadline
7/31/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
*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 Canal Point, Florida.
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 unique opportunity offers hands-on experience in cutting-edge sugarcane research, focusing on quantitative genetic analysis on flowering, different traits of importance, family evaluation to enhance crossing, selection efficiency transcriptome analysis, gene editing and molecular breeding techniques. While flowering in sugarcane is an undesirable trait for Florida farmers, it plays a crucial role in crossing and breeding. Through this learning experience, participants will contribute to understanding the driving factors of variations, flower biology, innovative research aimed at utilizing gene editing in sugarcane. These advancements will support breeding efforts and optimize agronomic performance on U.S. farms.
The participant will gain valuable knowledge and skills in areas such as sugarcane breeding, molecular breeding, flower biology, transformation, gene editing. Key learning activities include:
- Conducting phenotype trials, taking, organizing data, database related to sugarcane genetics and genomics, nucleic acid analysis.
- Analyze multi-year genetic datasets using appropriate models to integrate their phenological trends into breeding strategies that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of sugarcane genetic improvement.
- Mapping flowering QTLs, transcription, gene expression analysis
- Designing and conducting experiments in plant tissue culture, regeneration, genetic engineering, and genome editing of sugarcane.
- Creating recombinant DNA constructs, performing plant transformations, and analyzing transformed plants for gene expression.
- Collecting, organizing, and conducting preliminary analyses of experimental data.
- Preparing scientific technical reports, documenting research progress, and contributing to publications.
- Learning methodologies and tools for transformation analysis.
- Helping scientists with trials for CP sugarcane breeding and flower synchronization.
- Staying informed about scientific advancements by engaging with literature, attending supervisor-approved meetings, workshops, and conferences.
- Collaborating across disciplines to integrate functional genomics research into sugarcane breeding.
This opportunity is ideal for individuals eager to expand their knowledge and practical skills in quantitative background in genetics, plant biotechnology and genetics, while contributing to impactful research that supports sustainable agriculture. Participants will learn alongside experienced scientists and engage in collaborative, interdisciplinary research to deepen their understanding of sugarcane breeding and molecular biology.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this experience, under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will:
- Learn statistical quantitative genetic analysis, learn how multiple years of morphometric data can find the solution to quantify the driving factors in enhancing crop efficiency
- Learn to transcriptome analysis, conduct transformation, genomics, bioinformatic methods to identify and characterize candidate genes of interest,
- Learn methods to conduct induced gene editing of candidate genes of interest, and;
- Develop skills in conducting, writing and presenting research.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Aliya Momotaz (aliya.momotaz@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer 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 is $77, 274 annually, plus a health insurance supplement.
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.Southeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (Plant Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline). Degree must have been received within the past five years or be anticipated to receive by July 31, 2026.
Preferred skills:
- Statistical quantitative genetic analysis & computing, bioinformatics
- Research experience related to QTL mapping and transcriptome biology,
- Demonstrated experience in advanced molecular cloning, plant tissue culture, and/or genome editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas systems) with recalcitrant crops is highly desirable.
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publications, effective communication skills, and ability to perform both independently and collaboratively
Stipend
$77,274.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 7/31/2026 11:59:00 PM.