USDA-ARS Agrobacterium Strain Development Biotechnology Fellowship

How to Apply

Scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

• An application form
• Transcript(s) – Unofficial transcript or copy of academic records is acceptable. For details on acceptable transcripts, refer to the provided link.
• 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.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-PWA-

June 19, 2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service located in Albany, CA.

This project involves reviving agro strains from various collections and characterizing them for antibiotic resistance. Agro strains that do not show resistance to kanamycin, gentamicin, and spectinomycin will be sent for whole-genome sequencing and alignment. Genomic information will be collected to identify virulence genes. The research continues by testing antibiotic‑sensitive strains for the ability to be transformed with a binary vector, to form gall tissue on various plant species/cultivars, and the ability to facilitate transfer of the T‑DNA from the vector.

The focus is on citrus and grape cultivars. Strains that can produce gall tissue will be evaluated for rate of tissue growth and homogeneity of T‑DNA/tissue expression. Successful strains will be disarmed and genome modified with GAANTRY technology.

The participant will learn about Agrobacterium, its life cycle, genetics, and application toward biotechnology.

James Thomson (james.thomson)

Start date:

As soon as a candidate is identified. Length:
Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and contingent on funding. Participation level:
Full‑time.

Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Annual range: $50,000 – $65,000.

U.S. citizen only.

This program is 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). 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. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

For additional questions about the application process, email ORISE.ARS.Pacific West with reference code for this opportunity.

Candidate should have received a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field within the past 36 months.

• Experience with sterile microbiology techniques.
• Experience with microbe manipulation (culture, transformation, freezing).
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, and plasmid cloning.

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen only.
• Degree:
  Bachelor’s degree received within the last 36 months.
• Disciplines:
  Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture, Agronomy and Crop Science, Biology (General), Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Botany, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Developmental Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics (including Genome Sciences), Horticulture, Immunology, Microbiology, Plant Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, etc.

Janeen