USDA-ARS Research Fellowship in Behavioral Pest Management Vegetable Crops

How To Apply

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

• An application
• Transcript(s) – An unofficial transcript or copy of 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-NEA-

A Complete Application Consists Of:

• An application
• Transcript(s) – An unofficial transcript or copy of 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

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Connect with ORISE on the GO! Download the ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond.

3/27/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and

Location:

A research opportunity with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Beltsville, Maryland. ARS is USDA’s chief scientific in-house research agency dedicated to solving agricultural problems from field to table. ARS aims to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence to support American farmers, producers, industry, and communities, and to sustain agroecosystems and natural resources.

Research Project: This project investigates behavioral control of vegetable pests to advance sustainable pest management and crop productivity for vegetable crops in the US. The fellow will sample, evaluate, and collect field populations, and maintain laboratory colonies to study attraction of key pest species to candidate attractants, including pheromones. Using field and laboratory bioassays, the fellow will conduct research on the biology, ecology, and behavior of beetles and true bugs and their impact on vegetable crops (e.g., squash and potato).

Research areas include chemical ecology, insect behavior, and integrated pest management. Under a mentor, the fellow will conduct research in both laboratory and field settings and participate in multi-institutional team-based research. The project will evaluate attractants and combinations with traps and other pest management tactics to determine effective pest management outcomes. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, stakeholder reports, and annual progress updates to support improved pest management strategies and agricultural resilience.

Learning Objectives: Under a mentor, the participant will learn about and gain experience in:

• Conducting and testing insect rearing methods and behavioral bioassays.
• Conducting laboratory and field research for sustainable pest management.
• Conducting chemical ecology studies to identify attractants or repellents.
• Collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team.
• Performing statistical analyses and reporting related scientific findings.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Donald

C. Weber (don.weber). For questions about the research, contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: February 2, 2026. Start date is flexible and depends on various factors.

Appointment Length: One year initially, with potential renewal based on ARS recommendation and funding availability.

Level of Participation: Full-time.

Participant Stipend: Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $45,000 - $60,000 annually.

Citizenship Requirements: U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU under…