*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 Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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: Projects include research surrounding honey bee health generally, but include projects specifically examining: reproductive health, the connections between queen health and colony productivity, disease state and the genetic underpinnings of resistance or susceptibility, in addition to trait selection. This research is conducted in a collaborative environment within the lab and larger unit, so the participant will learn how to perform both independently in the field and as part of larger teams. Within the lab, the participant will collaborate closely with others to help design, conduct, and finish research projects. 

The fellow will be stationed at the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Unit in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. At the Unit, we conduct research in honey bee health, breeding, gene expression, disease ecology, toxicology, parasitology, and honey bee behavior in order to support beekeeping stakeholders. This opportunity is in the Walsh Lab, where there is a focus on honey bee health assessment, pest management, disease ecology, reproductive health, economic outcomes, and bee behavior.

Learning Objectives: The successful candidate will learn or improve skills related to beekeeping, research, and project management during the course of this opportunity. Specifically, candidates will attain: literacy in experimental design, intermediate beekeeping skills, practiced basic scientific communication, and learned how to perform both in the field and the laboratory.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Elizabeth Walsh (elizabeth.m.walsh@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: As soon as possible. 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. The anticipated stipend range is $49,960.00 - $61,111.00 annually.

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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in one of the relevant fields (Entomology/Biology/Related field). Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:

• Enthusiasm, willingness to perform in the field or laboratory with honey bees, communication skills, basic knowledge of biology,
• Experience in the field with honey bees, basic knowledge of honey bee biology, experience conducting research with honey bees or other insects

Stipend$49,960.00 – $61,111.00 Yearly