USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Guayule Latex Extraction and Purification

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-PWA-

11/6/2026 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), 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 of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

You will be involved in research and development activities aimed to guide the build out of a guayule latex extraction pilot plant in support of the Agency's mission to reduce dependence on imported natural rubber and latex and to provide a new industrial desert crop to farmers in the south western US as an alternative to high water requiring crops such as as cotton and alfalfa.

Current methods will be optimized and new methods may be invented and optimized. You will receive training in crop monitoring and sampling, harvesting methods, post-harvest processing, latex extraction, latex purification and concentration, and equipment operation. You will also receive training in use of Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint, Visio, and plotting and statistical analysis using various software platforms.

• Develop an understanding of sustainable natural rubber and latex production systems using guayule as an alternative industrial crop;
• Explain the agricultural and environmental factors that influence guayule cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest quality;
• Apply principles of crop monitoring and sampling to support agricultural research and process development;
• Analyze how harvesting and post-harvest handling practices affect latex yield and quality;
• Demonstrate knowledge of latex extraction, purification, and concentration processes used in pilot-scale operations;
• Evaluate and optimize processing methods to improve efficiency, product quality, and scalability;
• Interpret experimental data to support research and operational decision-making;
• Develop proficiency in the use of data analysis, visualization, and statistical software tools for scientific research;
• Communicate technical concepts, research findings, and process outcomes through written, visual, and oral formats;
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary research and development teams focused on agricultural and industrial innovation.

The mentor for this opportunity is Katrina Cornish (katrina.cornish). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Fall 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

The appointment is full time.

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

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…