Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Winter Oilseed Cover Crops

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-2019-0044
How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Application Deadline
6/4/2019 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center, Sunflower and Plant Biology Research Unit in Fargo, North Dakota.

The mission of the research unit is to develop knowledge and technology for sunflower and canola production that benefits oilseed industries and provides value-added ecosystem services (https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/fargo-nd/rrvarc/sun/).

Research will focus on phenotyping of freezing tolerance in a winter canola diversity panel. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant may be involved in the following areas of investigation: determining the impact of winter-hardy oilseed cover crops on weed suppression and other ecosystem services, the impact of cold deacclimation on freezing survival of winter canola and other oilseed cover crops, and the signaling mechanisms associated with crop/weed interactions, or other topics appropriate to the selected candidate's interest and expertise. Research will include ongoing collaborations with other scientists in the Sunflower and Plant Biology Research Unit and faculty at North Dakota State University.

*Although the application deadline is June 4, applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

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. The initial appointment is for nine months, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a stipend of $41,098 for 9 months, along with a supplement for individual health insurance. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at ARS in the Fargo, North Dakota, area. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in plant biology, crop science, weed science, or a closely-related field, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by the application deadline.

Preferred skills/experience:

  • Knowledge related to capturing, recording, and analyzing data from high-through put phenotyping and/or genotyping studies with plants
  • Working knowledge of computer programs for storing, manipulating, and reporting data
  • Ability to run or learn statistical analysis programs
  • Background knowledge for conducting field and greenhouse studies
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (13 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )
Affirmation

I have received a bachelor's or master's degree, or am currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by June 4, 2019.

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