A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

A postdoctoral research opportunity in plant molecular biology is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Food Quality Laboratory (FQL) in Beltsville, Maryland.

The successful applicant will be involved in research in the design and implementation of experiments in the laboratory and greenhouse identifying and dissecting the genes controlling fruit ripening and postharvest quality traits during storage. Other activities will include, but are not limited to, diligent and timely design and implementation of experiments, complete data analysis and interpretation, preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

In the mentor’s laboratory, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to learn about the factors affecting fruit and vegetable quality, and learn skills in bioinformatics and functional genomics. The candidate will also  have the opportunity to improve their writing skills by preparing scientific articles for peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific meetings

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. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience, as well as a health insurance stipend supplement. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. 

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.

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

A qualified candidate will have a Ph.D. (within five years) in plant molecular biology or related areas.

Hands-on experience with tissue culture and plant transformation, as well as basic molecular biology techniques is highly preferred. Additional experience working in bioinformatics is highly desirable. Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work well in a collaborative research atmosphere are required.

• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )