USDA-ARS Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Molecular Plant Pathology​/Computational Biology & AI

How To Apply

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

• An application
• Transcript(s) – unofficial transcript or copy of student academic records; see 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.

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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-HQ-

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

Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis. A postdoctoral research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), within the Sustainable Perennial Crops Lab in Beltsville, Maryland. ARS is the USDA’s chief in-house research agency, with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems and sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources while promoting economic competitiveness in agriculture.

The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) is located on 6,615 acres in Beltsville, MD and is the largest location in the USDA ARS Northeast Area, comprising 17 research labs. The Sustainable Perennial Crops Lab (SPCL) conducts research on tropical perennial crops to improve crop yields with reduced inputs, reduce crop diseases, and preserve genetic diversity for U.S. consumers and industries.

Research Project: This project focuses on improving disease resistance in cacao (Theobroma cacao) using molecular biology and emerging technologies. Core objectives include understanding cacao defense mechanisms and applying genetic and molecular tools to enhance resistance to pathogens. The primary emphasis will be on molecular approaches (gene expression analysis, promoter characterization, functional validation) with opportunities to incorporate complementary technologies such as:

• Genomics and Molecular Biology:
  Identification and functional analysis of cacao defense genes and promoters.
• Digital Phenotyping:
  Hyperspectral imaging and advanced imaging tools to detect disease traits beyond the visible spectrum.
• AI-Driven Data Analysis:
  Machine learning to predict plant responses and accelerate discovery of resistance markers.
• Gene Editing and Validation: CRISPR-based approaches to validate candidate genes and pathways.

The fellowship involves collaboration with plant pathologists, geneticists, and bioinformaticians. Research directions will be developed in consultation with the mentor. The successful candidate will publish research and engage with the cacao research community.

As a result of this training, the participant will gain knowledge and hands-on experience in:

• Plant Pathology and Disease Resistance – Methodologies for studying plant–pathogen interactions and screening for disease resistance in tropical perennial crops.
• Genomic and Molecular Tools – Techniques for plant breeding, including gene expression analysis and functional validation.
• Advanced Phenotyping – Hyperspectral imaging and other digital phenotyping tools.
• Data Analysis and Computational Approaches – AI-driven data analysis and machine learning for interpreting genomic and phenotypic data.
• Experimental Design and Germplasm Management – Designing experiments and maintaining cacao germplasm collections.
• Growth and Experimentation with Theobroma cacao – Practical experience cultivating cacao plants under controlled conditions.

Mentor:
Ezekiel Ahn (ezekiel.ahn). For questions about the research, contact the mentor.

Anticipated

Start Date:

Spring 2026 (start date is flexible). Appointment Length: two years. Level of Participation: full time. Stipend: $85,447 – $100,000 yearly.

Citizenship Requirements: U.S. citizens only.

ORISE is administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S.…