To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click 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. 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.

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*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 Folsom, California.

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: This project evaluates the performance of multiple Rainbow trout lines, bred for disease resistance, in a production environment. The participant will be on site for data and sample collections. Data collecting will include recording physical performance of rainbow trout throughout a production cycle including growth, feed intake and survivability. Sample collection will require both internal and external tissue collection and storage for genetic and microbiological studies. This study will enhance the participants' experience in scientific techniques required to secure usable data for laboratory evaluations from field derived sampling. Analyzing and summarizing collected data to other individuals involved with the study will also be performed by the participant. This study will allow for hands on field evaluations of Rainbow trout under both normal production conditions and during disease outbreaks that occur when animals are under production environments. The participant will also be involved in a collaborative effort between a scientific laboratory and field production stakeholder, which requires an elevated level of coordination and communication. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Learn internal and external sample collection and storage.
2. To collect, analyze and summarize data taken in a production environment.
3. To prepare samples for DNA extraction and molecular biological testing.
4. To navigate a collaborative effort between a scientific laboratory and a field production facility.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Jason Evenhuis (jason.evenhuis@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2025. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 3 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. The anticipated stipend is $4,853 monthly.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens 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 be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received within the start of appointment

Preferred skills:

• Experience working with fish or other aquatic species. 

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 10/30/2026 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )