USDA-ARS Evaluation and Genetic Tool Development for Tepary and Common Beans 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 Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

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 project will involve the evaluation of the tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) for response to disease, insect, and abiotic stress as well as the collection of data related to traits involved in the domestication of tepary bean. The research will focus on sets of germplasm including the tepary diversity panel and the interspecific diversity panel, with the goal of evaluation of traits for potential transfer from one Phaseolus species to the other. This is an opportunity to participate in field, greenhouse and laboratory data collection as well as in the uploading of this data into a database for analysis using statistical tools and genetic markers. The educational opportunity will involve collaboration with other research groups and the analysis and presentation of research findings.

Learning Objectives: 

• Learn about use of a database for loading phenotypic and genotypic data.
• Incorporate use of statistical tools and genetic markers for data analysis.
• Study and integrate quality characteristics in common bean and tepary bean seed evaluations.
• Learn about embryo rescue methods for wide crosses.
• Collaborate with other research groups in data analysis and presentation of research findings.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Timothy Porch (timothy.porch@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: April 15, 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for two years, 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 and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) 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 a master's degree in one of the relevant fields.

Depending on the research project objectives, the selected candidate may need to operate a government owned vehicle (GOV) and will be required to show proof of a valid U.S. State Driver’s License and provide proof of an active U.S. auto insurance policy.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Master's Degree.