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• An application
• Transcripts – 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 are 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), located in Newark, Delaware.

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 of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

Research Project: The participant will assist in both laboratory and field research on biological control of emerald ash borer with both native and introduced natural enemies (parasitoids). Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will assist in the following research objectives:

• Investigating the establishment and/or persistence and impacts of released parasitoids on EAB population densities in Michigan and the Northeast States (Connecticut, Delaware Massachusetts, and/or New York)
• Monitoring and evaluating ash survival, regeneration, and health (crown) conditions at the new and previous (long-term) biocontrol study sites in both Michigan and Northeast States (Connecticut, Delaware Massachusetts, and/or New York)

Learning Objectives: As a result of this training, the participant will improve skills in the following areas:

• Identification of parasitoids associated with emerald ash borer
• Field sampling methods for studying impacts of wood-boring insects on forest tree health
• Life-table analysis of population dynamics of insect pests and impacts of their natural enemies
• Ecological studies of impacts of classical biological control program on both the target pest and associated forest ecosystems

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Jian Duan (jian.duan@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 31, 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, 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. Stipend range estimated $39,000-$46,000 yearly.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.

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 ORISE.ARS.Northeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree or master's in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Biology, Entomology). Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:

• Biology
• One year of experience with wood-boring insects and their parasitoids
• A bachelor's degree in biology with at least 12 credits in entomology or;
• A master's degree in entomology

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (2 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (7 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (1 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )