Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Environmental Sciences

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-2020-0091
How to 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. 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.

Application Deadline
9/4/2020 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory (SASL) located in Beltsville, Maryland.

The selected participant will have the opportunity to refine their skills with hands on research, being involved in executing experiments under the Organic Research and Education initiative Weed and Insect Management in Organic Rotational No-Till Agriculture. The mission of our group is to address agronomic challenges (e.g., crop, pest and soils) while reducing tillage in organic field crop production. 

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will collaborate with scientists in a variety of activities including: field, greenhouse, and lab experiments. The participant will learn how cover crops are being used to benefit actual farmers and the environment through interactions with stakeholders throughout the Del- Marva region. This learning experience will follow the life cycle of cover and cash crops from planting to harvest. 

Professional development opportunities are available for the participant to meet with farmers, attend scientific meetings, learn how to write and present research posters and/or talks to peers.

This opportunity requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking and or bending. In many situations, the duration of the activity (such as most of the day) contributes to the arduous nature of the research. In other situations; there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. The research involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts, which require special safety precautions, e.g. being outside in the sun and exposure to outside temperatures. The participant is required to use protective clothing, such as boots, goggles and gloves when conducting research in situations that present a safety hazard.

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 an annual stipend ranging from $43,000-$70,000, commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at ARS in the Beltsville, Maryland, 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 only.

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

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred skills:

  • Basic knowledge of cover crops
  • Knowledge of basic farming practices
  • Weed identification skills
  • Data collection
  • Biomass collection
  • Soil sampling procedures
  • Basic knowledge of GIS
  • Basic knowledge of remote sensing and NDVI
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (3 )
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