What are the responsibilities and job description for the USDA-ARS Research Fellowship Developing Nanoparticles as Insecticides position at Zintellect?
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A postdoctoral research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture Research Service (ARS), within the Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Unit (FABADRU). This opportunity will be located at the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility (NBAF) and Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, Kansas.
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.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow will learn techniques related to chemistry, molecular biology, and microscopy during the development phase and efficacy testing of insecticides during the trial phase of this research project. Opportunities to develop skills in manuscript preparation, research presentation, and domestic and international collaboration with other USDA and non-USDA researchers to address complex questions in agriculture will be available. Additionally, opportunities to develop soft skills to enhance career success will be available.
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.
Salary : $60,000 - $100,000