USDA-ARS Sorghum Forage and Grain Quality Traits Fellowship
Application Deadline
9/25/2026 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 Lincoln, Nebraska.
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: During this fellowship, you will have the opportunity to study and analyze genes, proteins and biochemical pathways controlling lignin, starch and flowering in sorghum. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will use genomics, biochemistry, physiology and genetics to analyze the genes controlling these traits. The brown midrib (bmr) mutants will be studied for their reductions and alterations in lignin deposition to improve forage and biomass quality through increased livestock digestibility and bioenergy conversion. The research will be conducted in cooperation with members of an interdisciplinary research team focused on grain and forage improvement at the location.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the genetic, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms controlling lignin, starch, and flowering traits in sorghum.
- Gain experience using genomics, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology approaches to study genes involved in crop trait regulation.
- Develop skills in analyzing gene function and biochemical pathways associated with plant growth, biomass composition, and crop improvement.
- Learn how plant genetics can be applied to improve livestock digestibility and bioenergy conversion efficiency.
- Gain collaborative research experience with scientists from multiple disciplines within plant science and crop improvement programs.
- Develop knowledge of plant breeding and biotechnology strategies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and biomass utilization.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Scott Sattler (scott.sattler@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 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.
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.Plains@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.
Preferred skills:
- Prior research experience in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) genetics, molecular biology or biochemistry.
Stipend
$70,000.00 – $80,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Doctoral Degree.