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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.

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) located in Charleston, South Carolina.

Research Project: This project is being conducted to develop advanced molecular and genomic technologies, novel genetic materials and integrated pest management strategies to manage emerging viral diseases of tomato and other vegetables in the U.S. These viruses include Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) on tomato and Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) on watermelon and other cucurbit crops. The research objectives are: 1) to evaluate selected disinfectants for field application and seed treatment to prevent mechanical transmission of ToBRFV and CGMMV; 2) to optimize real-time PCR useful for seed health assays of ToBRFV on tomato and pepper; 3) to conduct genetic analysis and genome-wide association study to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in association with ToBRFV-resistance (tolerance) on tomato and CGMMV in watermelon and cucumber; and 4) to apply the CRISPR genome-editing technologies to generate novel genetic materials with enhanced immunity to viral diseases on tomato and other vegetable crops.

Learning Objectives: Throughout the project, the participant will gain training and experience in using multi-disciplinary approaches including genomics and other omics-based tools, plant pathology, plant genetics, plant tissue cultures, analytical and biochemical methods, next generation sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, molecular marker development, and genome editing technologies. The participant will be invited to travel to participate in subject relevant conferences and workshops as feasible. 

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Kai-Shu Ling (kai.ling@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 1, 2020.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be 16 months, 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. This position has a monthly stipend of $5,333.00 (equivalent to an annual stipend of $64,000). A stipend supplement in the amount of $1,337 per month is provided to cover the cost of an individual family health insurance plan. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. The rate also includes a travel allowance of $3,000 per year to reimburse travel-related expenses to scientific and professional development activities. Funding is not available for relocation expenses. The participant does not become an employee of the ARS or ORISE.

Citizenship Requirements: 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.

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 USDA-ARS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

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

Candidates with experience in plant pathology, virology, plant genetics, molecular biology or other closely related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Preferred skills:

• Skills and/or experiences in plant pathology, plant virology and entomology
• Skills and/or experiences in working under aseptic conditions for cell and tissue culture and plant transformation
• Skills and/or experiences in growing plants and horticulture, in field or controlled environment
• Skills and/or experiences in genomics, biotechnology, molecular and cell biology, and genome-editing
• Skills and/or experiences in plant genetics, plant biochemistry
• Skills and/or experiences in bioinformatics used in genomic analysis

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (18 )