USDA-ARS Graduate Student Internship in Wheat Quality Research
*Applications may be 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), within the Corn, Soybean and Wheat Quality Research Unit at the Soft Wheat Quality Laboratory (SWQL) located in Wooster, Ohio.
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: The mission of the USDA-ARS, Corn, Soybean and Wheat Quality Research Unit, Soft Wheat Quality Laboratory (SWQL) is to improve the end-use quality, utilization and value of wheat produced in the eastern U.S. for the betterment of U.S. consumers, farmers, and milling, baking and processing industries. The SWQL is equipped with the instruments and has facilities necessary for performing comprehensive evaluation of the end-use quality of wheat including milling equipment and instruments for grain and flour testing and experimental baking.
The project investigates the functional properties of soft partial waxy or full waxy wheat genotypes carrying unique starch characteristics and their relationships with processing and product quality.
Learning Objectives: The graduate intern will have opportunities to meet and discuss with the SWQL staff the project, learn the quality evaluation process and methods of wheat breeding lines. You will be also provided with the opportunities to meet other USDA-ARS and Ohio State University scientists and students and build a potential collaborative network.
Mentor(s): The mentor(s) for this opportunity is Dr. Byung-kee Baik (byungkee.baik@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research project, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March 1, 2023. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for six months, 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.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.
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.Midwest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.