USDA-ARS Biological Science Fellow

*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 Newark, Delaware.

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 USDA-ARS Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit conducts collections, screening and tests of exotic natural enemies (parasitoids) as classical biological control approaches against invasive insect pests in the USA. The Laboratory houses a quarantine facility where beneficial insects from abroad are imported and evaluated for both the safety (non-target risk) and efficiency of candidate biological control agents against target pests. By carefully evaluating, selecting, and releasing specialized natural enemies, the long-term goal is to permanently establish a self-sustaining natural enemy population to help suppress invasive pest populations at an acceptable level or at levels that no longer cause economic or environmental damage. The participant will join in a collaborative research project between the USDA-ARS and partners to develop biological control agents for spotted lanternfly, an emerging invasive insect pest of important agricultural crops such as graphs and stone fruits in the USA. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will evaluate an imported parasitoid species for its suitability and potential for the control of spotted lanternfly, by investigating the parasitoid’s behavior, biology, ecology as well as some key ecological factors (e.g., host plants) potentially affecting its efficiency and establishment potential. 

Learning Objectives: The participant will have ample opportunities to develop expertise in biological control methods, engage in collaboration with project patterns, present research findings at professional meetings, and write research results for scientific publications.  

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Xingeng Wang (xingeng.wang@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 2025. 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.

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.Northeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.