Job Type: Paid Internship
Salary Details: The participant will receive an annual stipend rate of $57,000-$63,000 commensurate with educational level and experience.
Deadline: May 12, 2023

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pest Management and Biological Control Research Unit located in Maricopa, Arizona.

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 the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

Research Project: The ORISE participant will have the opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team of scientists and researchers focused on using functional genomics approaches (e.g. RNAi, CRISPR, and transgenesis) to gain insights into the fundamental biological processes and pathways that impact sex determination and differentiation in non-model insect pests. Interest in exploring the in vivo functional roles of other genes of interest is encouraged. The appointment affords the selected fellow opportunities to contribute to all phases of the research process and develop skills along the research continuum, from genes to behavior.

Learning Objectives: The ORISE participant will have the opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team of scientists and researchers focused on using functional genomics approaches (e.g. RNAi, CRISPR, and transgenesis) to gain insights into the fundamental biological processes and pathways that impact sex determination and differentiation in non-model insect pests. Interest in exploring the in vivo functional roles of other genes of interest is encouraged. The appointment affords the selected fellow opportunities to contribute to all phases of the research process and develop skills along the research continuum, from genes to behavior.

Learning Objectives: The participant will train alongside productive staff on engaging topics. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will gain experience in:

  • Elucidating molecular mechanisms/pathways driving biology in non-model insect pests
  • Expanding skills and practical knowledge in experimental design and data analysis
  • Applying and adapting knowledge gained from model system to non-models
  • Interacting with an interdisciplinary research team with expertise in molecular biology, physiology, endocrinology, biochemistry, and behavior
  • Preparing manuscripts and presenting at professional meetings

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Dr. J. Joe Hull (joe.hull@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 2023.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for two years 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 an annual stipend rate of $57,000-$63,000 commensurate with educational level and experience. An additional health insurance stipend supplement will be provided to defray the cost of health insurance coverage.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).

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.

Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have earned or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in molecular entomology/biology, biochemistry, or a related field. The degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

  • Experience with microinjection systems, PCR, CRISPR, and modern molecular biology
  • Proficiency with bioinformatics tools
  • Coursework or research relating to insect molecular biology
  • Positive attitude and willingness to work in a team environment

HOW TO APPLY
Please apply at this link: https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/USDA-ARS-PW-2023-0089