USDA-ARS Pathogen Diagnostics in Strawberries
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 available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Salinas, 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: The participant will be involved in research that aims to map the distribution of a new strain of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae (cause of Fusarium wilt of strawberry) in California. This will involve lab research to test plants and soil for this and other pathogens. The participant will also participate in research that characterizes the virulence of isolates of Macrophomina phaseolina on strawberry and other plant hosts. Most research will be in the lab or greenhouse and involve DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, recombinase polymerase amplification assays, tissue assays, culturing fungi, making media, and using sterile technique.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this training the participant will improve their skills in plant disease identification, standard mycology lab techniques, DNA extraction, recombinase polymerase assays, and general methods for molecular identification of microbial pathogens.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Peter Henry (peter.henry@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 10 months, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is part 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 ORISE.ARS.PacificWest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in the one of the relevant fields.
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