What are the responsibilities and job description for the USDA-ARS Grass Molecular Biology Fellow position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-PWA-2026-0234
How To Apply
To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.
A Complete Application Consists Of
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!”
Application Deadline
7/31/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
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 experience in cool-season grass genetics and molecular biology projects focused on research topics such as seed yield, abiotic and biotic stress response, and herbicide resistance. The participant will collect data in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments. The participant will have the opportunity to analyze data and perform statistical comparisons.
Learning Objectives: Training will include grass tissue culture, transformation, and gene editing; DNA and RNA extractions; PCR and qPCR; metabolite analysis; and plant phenotyping.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Joseph Gallagher (joseph.gallagher@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 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 $4,000 - $5,000 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 or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Preferred Skills
$4,000.00 – $5,000.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Janeen
Eligibility Requirements">2 )
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-PWA-2026-0234
How To Apply
To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.
A Complete Application Consists Of
- An application
- Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
- Two educational or professional recommendations
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!”
Application Deadline
7/31/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
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 experience in cool-season grass genetics and molecular biology projects focused on research topics such as seed yield, abiotic and biotic stress response, and herbicide resistance. The participant will collect data in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments. The participant will have the opportunity to analyze data and perform statistical comparisons.
Learning Objectives: Training will include grass tissue culture, transformation, and gene editing; DNA and RNA extractions; PCR and qPCR; metabolite analysis; and plant phenotyping.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Joseph Gallagher (joseph.gallagher@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 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 $4,000 - $5,000 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 or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Preferred Skills
- Interest in plant genetics and molecular biology.
- Experience in biology laboratory research.
- Experience caring for plants in the greenhouse, growth chambers, or fields.
$4,000.00 – $5,000.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Janeen
Eligibility Requirements">2 )
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree.
- Discipline(s):
- Environmental and Marine Sciences (
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Salary : $4,000 - $5,000