USDA-ARS Natural Fiber Processing with Ginning Technology Fellowship

Application Deadline

4/26/2024 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

*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 Stoneville, Mississippi.

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 Cotton Ginning Research Unit is part of the USDA Agricultural Research Service located in Stoneville, MS. The research unit focuses on improving cotton quality and sustainability during the harvesting, ginning, and transportation processes. Additionally, the Unit has begun to study the processing of alternative natural fibers, such as industrial hemp, using fiber processing knowledge from the cotton industry. 

Under guidance of the mentor, the participant will be primarily involved in the following activities:

• Sample collection: including creation of sample collection planning, sample labeling, and the physical collection of samples during processing trials of cotton, industrial hemp, and other natural materials
• Sample testing: including carrying out standard cotton fiber testing procedures, modifying test methods for suitability on industrial hemp
• Data collection and curation: including the acquisition, cleaning and testing of data from multiple sources and in different formats; and formatting it into an integrated set
• Data analyses under the guidance of the researchers leading the project
• Expand knowledge and experience in materials processing, data analysis, and data reporting
• Attend meetings to discuss the progress and direction of on-going research assignments

Learning Objectives: As a result of this opportunity, the participant will improve their skills in research project planning, data collection, data analysis, and data communication. The participant will also learn about processing and quality of natural fibers, such as cotton and industrial hemp.

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March 4, 2024. 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 commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: 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.

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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills/experience:

• An undergraduate in a scientific field.
• A graduate in a scientific or data related field.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.