*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 Peoria, Illinois.

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 ORISE participant will be learning in the Crop Bioprotection Research Unit at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR).  The NCAUR conducts research to develop new biological control products, processes and methods to control crop pests, plant diseases, public health threats and promote pollinators. Under the guidance of a mentor, the specific research project for this opportunity will be to genetically modify beneficial microbes to determine how specific genes function. 

Learning Objectives: This project will offer experience in creating gene knockouts or adding new genes to a microbe (e.g., fluorescence reporter gene) in Bacillus or other species. The research will involve environmental strains as well as domesticated strains. These recombinant strains will then be used to explore interactions with their host (e.g., microbe-insect/plant) or their environment.

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: As soon as filled. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year and three months, 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. Stipend range is $69,000-$75,000 annual.

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.Midwest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

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

Preferred skills:

• Experience in the genetic modification of bacteria preferred.