Application Deadline
7/17/2026 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 Parlier, California.
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 gain hands-on research experience via participating in grapevine physiology, molecular biology and pathology research projects. Trainings will include, but are not limited to, grapevine tissue culture, genetic transformation and genome editing, DNA/RNA/protein extractions, PCR/qPCR, gene cloning and expression analysis, lab, greenhouse and field studies of microbes, plants and facilities. Project assignments meet USDA-ARS’s mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table.
Learning Objectives: Under guidance of a mentor, the participant will:
- Learn fundamental and applied concepts in grapevine physiology, molecular biology, and plant pathology.
- Learn to perform grapevine tissue culture, genetic transformation, and genome editing techniques.
- Learn to conduct DNA, RNA, and protein extractions, as well as PCR, qPCR, gene cloning, and gene expression analyses.
- Learn to design and carry out laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies involving plant–microbe interactions.
- Learn to integrate molecular and physiological approaches to address agricultural challenges from field to table.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Hao Peng (hao.peng@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 1, 2026. 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 $4,500 – $4,600 monthly.
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.PacificWest@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. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Preferred skills:
- Prior experience in a laboratory setting
Stipend
$4,500.00 – $4,600.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor’s Degree received within the last 60 month(s).