USDA-ARS Research Fellowship Opportunities in Entomology

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: Multiple research opportunities are currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory located in Charleston, South Carolina.

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 U.S. Vegetable Laboratory is: a) to improve genetic populations of vegetable crops by combining resistance to diseases and pests (nematodes, insects, and weeds) with favored quality characters and improved yield potentials; and b) to develop knowledge on disease and pest biology, ecology, and epidemiology that can be used as a basis for the development and implementation of new, reliable, environmentally sound integrated management systems that rely on host resistance, biocontrol, and natural compounds rather than conventional pesticides. This research project is being conducted in support of pest management strategies against insect pests of vegetable crops. The focus of study is the sweet potato whitefly which attacks a wide range of vegetable and other crops. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will learn in the laboratory, greenhouse and field to include: 1) elucidate plant-based compounds and pesticides that may affect the behavior or biology of whiteflies on vegetable crops, 2) investigate plant resistance and abiotic factors that may affect populations of whiteflies and their natural enemies, and 3) identify and characterize genomics and genetics factors in whiteflies or their host plants that facilitate efficient virus transmission from whiteflies to plants that contributes to viral diseases in vegetable crops.

Learning Objectives: In conducting the activities of this research project, the participant will interact with multi-disciplinary researchers on entomology, plant genetics, ecology, chemistry, horticulture, agronomy, and plant pathology subjects. The participant will be invited to travel to participate in subject relevant conferences and workshops as feasible.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Alvin Simmons (alvin.simmons@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2024, as soon as possible.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment(s) will initially terminate on January 31, 2025, 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(s) will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

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 a master's, or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred skills and/or experience in: 

• Entomology
• Chemical ecology, Chemistry, Ecology, Plant genetics, Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Agronomy, Biological Engineering, Biological and Agricultural Engineering
• Insect behavior
• Insect biology
• Integrated pest management
• Insect population dynamics
• Growing plants

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.
• Academic Level(s): Postdoctoral or Post-Master's.