USDA-ARS Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Evaluating Sustainable Disease Management Strategies for Tree Fruit Crops
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 Kearneysville, West Virginia.
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 participant will support ongoing research on sustainable management strategies for diseases of temperate fruit trees (including apple, pear, peach/nectarine and plum). Research goals include generating new knowledge on the efficacy of biocontrol agents against plant diseases including fire blight and postharvest rots. The participant will be part of an interdisciplinary team with focuses on horticulture, entomology, soil science, plant pathology, and engineering.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, throughout this opportunity the participant will:
- Develop skills in laboratory, greenhouse, and field-based research.
- Gain experience collecting and analyzing disease incidence and severity data.
- Gain experience collaborating with team members of diverse professional backgrounds.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Tamara Collum (Tami.Collum@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March 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 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.Northeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields.
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree.