What are the responsibilities and job description for the USDA-ARS Protein Alternatives for Poultry Production position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-SEA-2026-0030
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
4/24/2026 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: All sectors of agriculture are under pressure to feed the rising population with increased production, efficiency, and sustainability. As current production practices will likely fail to meet future demands, the meat industry is tasked with developing innovative ways to meet these challenges, while minimizing adverse effects on livestock and their associated environment. Feed availability is one of the largest hurdles to sustainable poultry production due to the high cost and unsustainable nature of traditional protein sources. This has created an urgent need for sustainable protein alternatives for poultry production. Insect meal has been suggested as a viable alternative as insects are part of the natural diet of chickens and rich in high quality protein, unsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals. Insects can also be nutritionally beneficial and sustainable source of feed for other animal species. However, safe and successful insect production must include efforts to prevent, detect, identify and mitigate potential food safety issues associated with production and consumption of insects. The current project is designed to determine the effect of insect inclusion on food safety and to capitalize on the natural bioremediation capacity of insects.
Learning Objectives: The successful candidate will learn to:
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March 2, 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 $55,000 - $60,000 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 be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields (Poultry or Animal Science or related field). Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 4/1/2026.
Stipend
$55,000.00 – $60,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Sara Beth
Eligibility Requirements">11 )
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-SEA-2026-0030
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
4/24/2026 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: All sectors of agriculture are under pressure to feed the rising population with increased production, efficiency, and sustainability. As current production practices will likely fail to meet future demands, the meat industry is tasked with developing innovative ways to meet these challenges, while minimizing adverse effects on livestock and their associated environment. Feed availability is one of the largest hurdles to sustainable poultry production due to the high cost and unsustainable nature of traditional protein sources. This has created an urgent need for sustainable protein alternatives for poultry production. Insect meal has been suggested as a viable alternative as insects are part of the natural diet of chickens and rich in high quality protein, unsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals. Insects can also be nutritionally beneficial and sustainable source of feed for other animal species. However, safe and successful insect production must include efforts to prevent, detect, identify and mitigate potential food safety issues associated with production and consumption of insects. The current project is designed to determine the effect of insect inclusion on food safety and to capitalize on the natural bioremediation capacity of insects.
Learning Objectives: The successful candidate will learn to:
- Perform standard microbiological techniques to detect and quantify foodborne pathogens in insect meals and poultry samples
- Follow established protocols for sample collection, processing, and storage to maintain data integrity
- Conduct feeding trials by preparing insect-based diets and monitoring feed intake and bird performance
- Collect biological samples (fecal, intestinal, tissue) following animal care and biosafety guidelines
- Learn to prepare and process samples for microbiota analysis and maintain sterile techniques to prevent contamination
- Perform data analysis for scientific publications
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March 2, 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 $55,000 - $60,000 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 be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields (Poultry or Animal Science or related field). Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 4/1/2026.
Stipend
$55,000.00 – $60,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Sara Beth
Eligibility Requirements">11 )
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 4/1/2026 12:00:00 AM.
- Discipline(s):
- Life Health and Medical Sciences (
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Salary : $55,000 - $60,000