USDA-ARS Biological Sciences Intern

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-2020-0129
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
7/28/2020 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

Three research opportunities are available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center located in Parlier, California.

The proposed project will involve postharvest fumigation research to control the blueberry maggot. The selected participant will be involved in identifying the efficacy of treatments by counting flies that emerge from treated and non-treated blueberries. In addition, the project will explore trapping the flies from blueberry plantings, so checking the flies for traps will also be a focus.

The day-to-day activities associated with this project will include: dissecting blueberries to search for maggots, preparing cages to house infested blueberries, checking traps, as well as, recording, analyzing and reporting data.

Upon completion of the project, the selected participant will have gained a deeper understanding of IPM and conventional control of blueberry maggot, a serious pest of concern to Eastern US blueberry growers.

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 two months, 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 Parlier, California, 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 high school diploma as of August 2020, and be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program for Fall 2020 or currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields. Candidates currently enrolled in high school will be considered on a case by case basis.

Preferred skills:

  • Practical understanding of science and a basic background in mathematics
  • Ability to independently count flies and record data
  • Ability to work in a scientific research environment, in the context of agriculture
  • Ability to independently review literature, as well as organize, document, and interpret data
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: High School Diploma/GED or Bachelor's Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (2 )
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