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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
• A copy of an abstract or reprint of an article

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 post-doctoral fellowship opportunity is available at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), within the Toxicology & Mycotoxin Research Unit at the U.S. National Poultry Research Center located in Athens, Georgia.  

The ARS is the USDA'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 Toxicology & Mycotoxin Research Unit (TMRU) is focused on toxic metabolites, called mycotoxins, that some fungi produce. Since these fungi infect many agricultural commodities such as corn and other grains and cereals, contamination of these commodities with mycotoxins is a major concern given the potential food and feed safety risks if the mycotoxins are ingested. The various mycotoxins have differing effects on humans and animals, with some causing cancer and negatively impacting growth and development. 

Learning Objectives: The participant will join a dynamic team of more than 20 individuals, including plant pathologists, fungal geneticists, chemists, poultry scientists, technicians, graduate students, and undergraduate interns. Specifically, the participant will have experiential learning opportunities focused on a unique physiological trait exhibited by some mycotoxigenic fungi in the genus Fusarium. Specific research areas to be studied include fungal biology, molecular genetics, and analytical chemistry. 

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Anthony Glenn (anthony.glenn@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 29, 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, 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.Southeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have a doctorate degree in one of the relevant fields (Plant Pathology, Microbiology, or other biological disciplines that include fungal biology).

Preferred skills:

• Previous experience in a fungal biology laboratory is highly desired.

• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (7 )
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).