USDA-ARS Hemp Genetics Research Fellowship
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis, and this opportunity could close before the application deadline.
ARS Office/Laboratory and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Geneva, New York.
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: Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant may be involved in a variety of hemp genetics projects which may include:
- Investigating robust quantitative assays using an HPLC for hemp secondary metabolite quantification,
- Developing tissue culturing techniques,
- Obtaining field data for hemp fiber and grain quality analysis,
- Investigating imaging techniques that enhance current hemp grain and leaf phenotyping methods,
- Sequencing hemp accessions and using bioinformatic methodologies to process sequence information,
- Developing hemp mapping populations.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this training, the participant will improve their skills in bioinformatics, analytical chemistry, plant breeding, and plant pathology.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Tyler Gordon (tyler.gordon@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 2024. The start date is flexible and other start dates can also be considered.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be extended up to five years 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. The current annual stipend range for this appointment is $40,895 - $72,553 depending on educational level.
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. However, this position requires a pre-employment check and a full background investigation. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
This is an equal opportunity program open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Northeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields of study or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with anticipated completion before December 31, 2024.
Preferred Skills:
- Interest in plants and plant genetics.
- Experience growing plants in greenhouses and in the field.
- Experience with field equipment including tractors, planters, and harvesters.
- Experience with lab equipment including HPLCs, real-time PCR, microscopes.
- Experience being in a diverse team performing plant research.
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.