To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

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. 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.

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*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 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 USDA, ARS, U.S. Vegetable Laboratory (USVL) is seeking a research fellow for training opportunities at its research site in Charleston, SC. The USVL generates fundamental and applied information needed for the development and improvement of vegetable crops and solves vegetable production and protection problems for the Southeastern U.S. and nationally. This project aims to generate fundamental knowledge of whitefly-virus-host plant interactions for the development of novel strategies for combating whitefly-borne viral diseases. The participant will contribute to research focused on understanding the genetic basis of whitefly-virus-symbiont-plant interactions towards the development of improved management strategies.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of the mentor, the research fellow will have the opportunity to learn:

• Practices in applied and fundamental entomology and plant pathology research
• Research methodologies used in studying vector-pathogen-host plant relationships
• Basic molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid purification, amplification, sequencing, etc.
• Field, greenhouse, and benchtop research practices
• Plant cultivation and insect colony maintenance

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2025. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, 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 of up to $39,576 per year commensurate with educational level and experience and will receive health benefits

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.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 5/30/2026.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/30/2026 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (11 )
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).