USDA-ARS Physical Science Internship
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 may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with the Commodity Protection and Quality Research Unit within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) located in Hilo, Hawaii and Parlier, California. Research will primarily be conducted in Hilo, Hawaii on key fruit fly species. Travel to Parlier, California and Davis, California will be as required.
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: Under the guidance of a mentor, the intern will co-develop tools for controlling fruit fly pests ranging from trapping systems to postharvest treatments. The candidate will participate in experimental design, execute experiments, collaboratively interpret results, and write research summaries.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the project, the selected candidate will have gained a deeper understanding of contemporary fruit fly control, a key concern of US horticultural producers.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Spencer Walse (spencer.walse@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 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.
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.PacificWest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields (with an emphasis in life science, physical science, toxicology, and/or pharmacology). Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Preferred skills:
- Experience working in biological systems.
- A practical understanding of science and a basic background in applied mathematics, such as calculus or statistics.
- Previous experience in conducting biological and/or chemical research.
- Completion of coursework in general chemistry and organic chemistry.
- Independently review literature, as well as organize, document, and interpret data for the assigned project.
- Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree.
- Discipline(s):
- Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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