USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Collaborative Research Fellowship in Human Nutrition Research with Six Research Centers
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!
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.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in the Office of National Programs located in Beltsville, Maryland.
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 the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.
Research Project: This project will be based in the USDA's Office of National Programs, which is the principal organizational component of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. The mission of the USDA Human Nutrition Program is to define the role of food and its components in optimizing health throughout the life cycle for all Americans by conducting high national priority research. The USDA-ARS research program in human nutrition is accomplished primarily at the six human nutrition research centers located in Beltsville MD, Houston TX, Little Rock AR, Davis CA, Grand Forks ND and Boston MA. These six centers have different specific objectives, but all focus on the same primary mission: improving health of the American population through food-based nutritional approaches.
The objective of this project will be to identify specific themes/research areas common to all six USDA nutrition centers, then to facilitate the development/implementation of a specific project that capitalizes on the strengths and abilities at each center, while collaborating as a team to achieve the objective. Of particular importance will be a focus on the capabilities of the various centers to conduct studies with human subjects.
The fellow will cooperate with the leadership and scientists at all six human nutrition research centers, as well as with National Program Leaders and Deputy Administrators in the USDA Office of National Programs, to identify areas of common research interest and expertise. The focus will be on directly investigating human nutritional needs/concerns related to the most important diet-responsive chronic diseases. After common themes are identified, the fellow will coordinate with scientists and leadership to select a specific area (or areas) of interest, develop specific objectives, and draft an intra-center research approach that capitalizes on the strengths of each center but addresses the common objective. The fellow will meet with leadership to develop effective means of implementing the specific project, as well as plans for facilitating project initiation, communication, and team development.
Learning Objectives: During this fellowship, the candidate will learn about the most pressing diet-responsive health issues in the United States and how these health problems can be altered by diet. The candidate will also learn strategic planning skills and leadership skills to cooperate with a team of scientists on an impactful joint project. While contributing research alongside leadership for the USDA Human Nutrition Program, the candidate will learn how national research priorities are decided and how the USDA program leaders work together to coordinate impactful science related to nutrition and the food supply.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Janet Novotny (janet.novotny@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: As soon as a qualified candidate is identified. Start date subject to change based on a variety of reasons, and start date may be flexible to accommodate the needs of a qualified candidate.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be extended 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.
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 earned a doctoral degree in one of the relevant disciplines (e.g. Nutritional Sciences, Physiology, Biological Sciences), or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by the appointment start date.
Preferred Skills:
- Demonstrated proficiency with written and oral communication
- Exemplary organizational skills
- Strong research skills
ORISE GO
The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!
