Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Plant Ecology
A complete application consists of:
- An application
- Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. 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.
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit located in Urbana, Illinois.
The selected participant will be an integral member of a team aimed at developing knowledge, models, and decision tools that ultimately reduce the risk that weeds pose to food production in the face of climate variability. The over-arching objectives are to 1) improve the understanding of the influence of climate variability on crop and weed management outcomes, and 2) explore the integration of new chemical and non-chemical tactics for managing weeds in Midwest specialty crops. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in: 1) conducting field and greenhouse-based research, 2) conducting laboratory-based assays, as needed, 3) organizing and analyzing data, 4) presenting research results, and 5) writing manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals. The participant will exercise significant independence in decisions related to day-to-day research.
Learning objectives are to 1) develop new knowledge of crop and weed ecology essential to the development of novel weed management tactics, and 2) contribute towards development of cropping systems which are sustainable, profitable, and resilient to climate change.
The participant will participate in and present research at ARS unit meetings. The participant also will have opportunities to participate in outreach through interactions with the University of Illinois, Department of Crop Sciences.
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. A health insurance and relocation allowance will be provided. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at ARS in the Urbana, Illinois, area. 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.
The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, and have a valid driver's license. The candidate will have access to a government vehicle for an necessary travel to field work sites.
Preferred skills:
- Record of peer-reviewed publications
- Experience with weed management in field or vegetable cropping systems
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English
- Experience in the establishment and maintenance of field experiments
- Desire to conduct original research in weed ecology or management
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