What are the responsibilities and job description for the USDA-ARS Research Fellowship Developing Nanoparticles as Insecticides position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-PA-2026-0110
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
5/22/2026 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: FABADRU uses multifaceted and interdisciplinary techniques to understand the interactions of viruses, vectors, hosts, and the environment on the transmission of viruses affecting livestock. The specific mission is to identify and manage exotic arthropod-borne diseases that have the potential to cross international boundaries and present a risk to U.S. livestock. The fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of novel insecticides targeting arthropod pests of livestock, humans, crops, and stored products. Under the guidance of the mentor(s), the fellow will have the opportunity to take part in research that aims to:
Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Dr. Lee Cohnstaedt (Lee.Cohnstaedt@usda.gov) and Dr. Dustin Swanson (Dustin.Swanson@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July/August 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. Anticipated stipend range is $60,000 - $100,000 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.Plains@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 (e.g. molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, chemical or agricultural engineering, or closely related discipline). Degree must have been received within the past five years or anticipated to be received by start of appointment.
Preferred Skills
$60,000.00 – $100,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Janeen
Eligibility Requirements">12 )
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-PA-2026-0110
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
5/22/2026 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: FABADRU uses multifaceted and interdisciplinary techniques to understand the interactions of viruses, vectors, hosts, and the environment on the transmission of viruses affecting livestock. The specific mission is to identify and manage exotic arthropod-borne diseases that have the potential to cross international boundaries and present a risk to U.S. livestock. The fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of novel insecticides targeting arthropod pests of livestock, humans, crops, and stored products. Under the guidance of the mentor(s), the fellow will have the opportunity to take part in research that aims to:
- Characterize and formulate the next generation of insecticides using nano- or microparticles,
- Evaluate active ingredients, and;
- Develop novel methods that incorporate existing and new products to create new tools for an integrated pest management plan to protect American agriculture.
Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Dr. Lee Cohnstaedt (Lee.Cohnstaedt@usda.gov) and Dr. Dustin Swanson (Dustin.Swanson@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July/August 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. Anticipated stipend range is $60,000 - $100,000 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.Plains@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 (e.g. molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, chemical or agricultural engineering, or closely related discipline). Degree must have been received within the past five years or anticipated to be received by start of appointment.
Preferred Skills
- Experience related to the development and/or application of nanoparticles, microparticles, pesticides, or other biologically active products
- Experience working with insects
- Previous experience in team and collaborative scientific environments
- Attention to detail, accuracy, and reproducible documentation
- Clear written and verbal communication skills for both scientific and applied audiences
$60,000.00 – $100,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Janeen
Eligibility Requirements">12 )
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
- Discipline(s):
- Chemistry and Materials Sciences (
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Salary : $60,000 - $100,000