USDA-ARS Identifying New Sources of Resistance to Mango Anthracnose Fellowship

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-SE-2024-0111
How to Apply

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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

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Application Deadline
4/26/2024 11:59:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*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 Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

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.

The research will be carried out at the USDA-ARS Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS) which is a clonal germplasm repository of the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) and consists of locations at Mayaguez and Isabela, Puerto Rico and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. TARS mission is to conduct agricultural research to:

  1. Assess tropical sorghum and dry bean genetic resources for disease resistance and genetic diversity and develop germplasm adapted to temperate regions, and;
  2. To introduce, preserve, evaluate, regenerate, distribute tropical fruit germplasm and develop cultural and management systems for tropical/subtropical crops that are of economic importance to the Continental and Insular U.S.

Research Project: This project has as a main goal to screen mango species and varieties for resistance to mango anthracnose. The participant will gain experience in preparing growth media for fungi, use of common laboratory equipment and apparatus such as autoclaves, sterilizers, centrifuges, and homogenizers, identify at least main symptoms of anthracnose on fruits and leaves, and perform disease surveys (incidence and severity) in Mango in Puerto Rico. The participant also will gain experience on preparation of Colletotrichum spp. inoculum and application of spore solutions on mango species and varieties (conduct pathogenicity tests on mango leaves and fruits), extract DNA, perform PCR amplifications, and analyze Colletotrichum sequences. 

While the participant will be under the guidance of a mentor, some level of independence in the research and critical thinking is expected for this opportunity.

Learning Objectives: The participant will learn how to inoculate and evaluate mango anthracnose in the field and lab conditions. The participant will develop or enhance their knowledge and skills to evaluate plant responses to diseases.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Luz Serrato-Diaz (luz.serrato@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 7, 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 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.Southeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past four years.

Depending on the research project objectives, the selected candidate may need to operate a government owned vehicle (GOV) and will be required to show proof of a valid U.S. State Driver’s License and provide proof of an active U.S. auto insurance policy.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 48 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (8 )
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