What are the responsibilities and job description for the USDA-ARS Agricultural Data Science Research Opportunity position at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)?
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A training opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Partnerships for Data Innovations (PDI), an enterprise-level data solutions provider in the National Measurement and Monitoring Innovations Project within the Agroecosystem Management Research Unit (AMRU) in Lincoln, Nebraska. This opportunity may be remote.
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.
PDI supports ARS researchers and stakeholders by providing technical assistance to develop, host, and maintain public-facing custom data solutions such as web-based applications, digital research tools, and software that support the ARS core mission. PDI is the only in-house public-facing enterprise-level data solutions provider for ARS scientists. Specifically, PDI assists scientists build both internal and public-facing web applications, software packages, data collection tools, and supports data repository/database development services to support Mission-related core ARS research. Services by PDI provide support to our scientists who are highly experienced in their research fields but may not have the technical, information technology (IT), or data science experience to build digital tools that optimize research efficiency and maximize the impact of their ARS research.
Research Project: You will collaborate with the Partnerships for Data Innovations (PDI) team to train in the agile and innovative development of customized data solutions that promote collaboration and stewardship of ARS's research data and other knowledge assets.
Learning Objectives: You will learn a diversity of technical skillsets to develop, host, and maintain both internal and public-facing custom data solutions that support the ARS core mission. Specific training may include but is not limited to collaborating with agricultural researchers and mentors to:
- Develop improved data entry, processing, and validation processes;
- Develop telemetries/communication pathways for facilitating real-time or near-real-time collection/visualization/querying of environmental Internet of Things sensors;
- Develop web-based applications to upload/download, synthesize, and visualize research data;
- Maintain and enhance both development and production platforms and processes to support agricultural research applications; and
- Explore incorporating artificial intelligence/machine learning functions in any of the previously listed training activities.
Training is approved for remote appointments.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Kyle Stoltz (kyle.stoltz@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 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 $9,555 - $9,649 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.Plains@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Salary : $9,555 - $9,649