Research Opportunity on HLB-Resistant Transgenic Citrus

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-2020-0041
How to 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. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. 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

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
2/13/2020 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory located in Fort Pierce, Florida.

The Stover Lab in Fort Pierce, Florida has grant funds from the Florida citrus industry to develop transgenic citrus resistant to the devastating disease huanglongbing. Strong experience in developing transgenics in other crops should be invaluable in overcoming obstacles.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will be involved in the following research activities:

  • Reviewing current protocols for creating transgenic citrus; screening for transgene, transgene expression, and resulting phenotype.
  • Reviewing current protocols for creating gene edited citrus
  • Assisting with the development of a plan for improving these procedures
  • Conduct research on the successful implementation of procedures in critical citrus cultivars

The learning objectives for this appointment include:

  • Become proficient in citrus transformation and huanglongbing resistance screening
  • Develop collaborations with US and global scientists working in these fields
  • Identify obstacles to citrus transformation and gene editing for huanglongbing resistance

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: February 2020

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 one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at ARS in the Fort Pierce, Florida, 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, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred skills:

  • Experience in:
    • Genetic transformation / and or gene editing in a crop other than citrus
    • Screening for disease and / or insect resistance
    • Regeneration of plant material through organogenesis in tissue culture
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (6 )