USDA-ARS Research Fellowship in Systems Modeling to Determine Optimal Agricultural Prod

How to Apply

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

• 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.  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

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-MWA-

4/10/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Laboratory for Agriculture and The Environment, located in Ames, Iowa.

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 fellow, in concert with scientists at the National Laboratory of Agriculture and Environment (NLAE) in Ames, Iowa, will conduct research focused on enhancing the understanding of the soil‑plant‑atmosphere system and apply that knowledge to develop improved tools and practices that address the challenges facing the agricultural community. Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow will participate in a project that seeks to determine and recommend optimal agricultural management systems to maximize crop yields and animal productivity while ensuring that soil and water resources are sustained for economic well‑being of U.S. farmers and ranchers.

This project will utilize a systems dynamic modeling framework to identify agricultural production systems that balance between productivity, economic, social, and environmental components. There will be significant flexibility for the fellow, in collaboration with the mentor and other project members, to refine the focus of these activities based on the knowledge base, skill sets, and interests of the participant. The fellow, with support from the mentor, will be encouraged to establish robust collaborative relationships with scientists at NLAE and other ARS locations as well as with university and industry partners.

The fellow will have the opportunity to be involved in the publication of the research in peer‑reviewed journals and communicate to stakeholders and the broader scientific community through participation in conferences and meetings.

• Develop programming skills by creating or adapting software modules in programming languages such as Fortran, C++, Visual Basic, R, or Java for integration into USDA ARS modeling frameworks.
• Strengthen software development skills by designing logical coding structures, integrating them into existing software systems, and recompiling using multiple compilers to ensure seamless functionality while preserving core process integrity and scaling principles.
• Apply systems dynamic modeling concepts to analyze agricultural production systems, identifying strategies that achieve a balance between productivity, economic viability, social considerations, and environmental sustainability at local and national scales.
• Enhance communication skills by presenting research findings to diverse audiences, including farmers, scientific peers, and industry stakeholders, at conferences and professional meetings.
• Contribute to scientific literature by documenting research activities and…