USDA-ARS Defining Agricultural Productivity Nutritional Sustainability

Description

Organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

Location:

Burlington, Vermont. This opportunity involves a research project on productive agricultural systems, with work in field studies related to food production systems in the northeast and nationally. The program emphasizes collaboration across disciplines and may include conferences, trainings, stakeholder engagement, coauthoring articles, and pursuing external funding. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

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 may be submitted. Detailed information about acceptable transcripts is available.
• 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.

Organization: USDA ARS

Reference Code: USDA-ARS-HQ-

Research Project:
This project engages with the question, “what is a productive agricultural system?” The participant will learn from and collaborate with a transdisciplinary team to develop answers using quantitative and qualitative methods (e.g., secondary data analysis, expert elicitation). Results are expected to help USDA research priorities in improving farmer and rancher profitability and improving human health. The participant will participate in field studies related to food production systems in the northeast and nationally.

The primary mentor will be an agronomist, with collaboration from social scientists, food systems modelers, nutritionists, and animal scientists. Participants with complementary disciplinary backgrounds may advance most in transdisciplinary research. Professional development activities include attending conferences and trainings, engaging with stakeholders for research and outreach, coauthoring peer-reviewed articles, and pursuing external funding.

Mentor:
Patrick Ewing (Patrick.

Ewing). For questions about the research, contact the mentor.

• Anticipated
  
  Start Date:
  
  May 1, 2026 (start date is flexible)
• Appointment Length:
  Two years
• Level of Participation:
  Full time
• Stipend: $76,203 annually

Citizenship Requirements:
This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

This program is administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. DOE to manage 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 and can be obtained through ORISE.

Qualifications:

The candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past four years, or anticipated by 6/1/2027.

• A background in agricultural sciences or closely related disciplines with a demonstrated interest in developing a quantitative social science skillset, or;
• A background in social science with experience in quantitative methods and a demonstrated interest in developing an agricultural field research skillset.

• Stipend: $76,203.00 Yearly
• Questions:
  Please visit the Program Website. For additional questions about the application process, email ORISE.ARS.HQPostdoc and include the reference code for this opportunity.
• Eligibility: U.S. citizenship required.