To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

A complete application package 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
• 500-word essay
• A letter of support from the university major professor who will act as your university mentor. This letter should include how the mentor will support your research project.
• One additional educational or professional recommendation

All documents must be in English.

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USDA-FSIS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The appointment will be served at the selected participant's location.

FSIS is a science-based agency and applies the latest advances in food safety technologies to monitor chemical, microbiological, and physical hazards in meat, poultry, and egg products. In addition, FSIS facilitates the application of new food safety technologies to food production by industry. The Agency also uses various strategies and technologies to conduct educational outreach to consumers. 

Research Project: FSIS has identified several food safety research priorities that support its mission: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/science-data/research-priorities

Under the guidance of a university mentor, the participant will create a project that is directly or indirectly related to FSIS research priorities. The participant will choose one of the topics listed on the FSIS Food Safety Research Studies page or another project related to food safety. Acceptable projects include laboratory studies or non-laboratory projects such as data analytics proposals.

The participant will collaborate with a mentor at FSIS to refine the scope of the project, ensure it provides an appropriate educational experience and can be completed within a measurable time frame. Students will present their research findings to FSIS senior leaders and scientists. The research will be completed at the participant's university.

Learning Objectives: This opportunity will provide the participant with an understanding of the type of research that supports FSIS decision making. The participant will learn how science informs the decisions that are made by FSIS to ensure the safety of the food supply.

The participant may have an opportunity to visit one of the FSIS Laboratories and an FSIS-regulated establishment, such as a chicken processing plant. During this visit, the participant will tour the laboratory and meet with senior leaders and mentors.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 3, 2026. 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 FSIS 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. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. The current stipend for this part-time opportunity is $1,800 per month, as well as $6,000 total to spend on either travel or research supplies.

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 the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Participants do not become employees of USDA, FSIS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

Questions: If you have additional questions about the application process, please email USDA-FSIS@orau.org  and include the reference code for this opportunity. 

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in food science, food safety, public health, veterinary medicine, or other relevant fields, at an accredited U.S. college, university or technical institute.

Candidates are asked to complete a 500-word essay describing the project they wish to participate in and how it can help improve the safety of the food supply.

Preferred skills:

• Knowledgeable of the principles and practices that underpin the safety of the food supply
• Experience in food safety research
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (21 )