USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Residue Chemistry Fellowship
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.
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!”
*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 Parlier, 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 fellow will conduct research related to the fate, transport, and biological consequence of chemicals used in agriculture, including pesticides and natural products, with particular emphasis on foodstuff and environmental residues.
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will be a fellow and team member focused on learning about decreasing navel orangeworm (NOW) damage in treenuts, with a focus on the environmental fate and transport of insecticides and other agrochemicals. Learning activities include the collection and analysis of environmental and horticultural samples for agrochemical residues.
- The participant will gain an understanding of the use of analytical chemistry in aiding / assessing contemporary insect control as part of an integrated pest management program (IPM). The participant will also learn how to apply modern analytical techniques to the analysis of agrochemical residues in environmental samples and foodstuffs.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Wiley Hall IV (wiley.hall@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2025, as soon as possible. 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, 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. Foreign national candidates may have a mandatory in-person requirement depending on visa status.
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 or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields (e.g. analytical chemistry or related field). Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 10/31/2025.
Preferred skills/experience:
- Experience in standard sample preparation techniques for the analysis of agrochemicals, pollutants, or other toxic compounds in environmental or food samples
- Experience operating and troubleshooting liquid or gas chromatographs coupled to mass spectrometry (LC or GC-MS)
- Experience collecting samples in the field (environmental / agricultural)
- Experience with standard techniques of sample preparation as well as gas- and liquid-chromatography with mass spectrometry.
- Experience with field sampling, and / or pesticide residue analysis is desired.
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!
