USDA-ARS Protein Alternatives Poultry Production

Overview

Organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code: USDA-ARS-SEA-

Location:

Fayetteville, Arkansas. This is a research opportunity with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA.

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

• An application
• Transcript(s) – unofficial transcript or copy of student academic records; see information about acceptable transcripts
• A current resume/CV with 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.

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

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

The ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Its mission is to find solutions to agricultural problems and to deliver tools and solutions for farmers, producers, industry, and communities. The agency aims to sustain agroecosystems and natural resources and to ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of agriculture.

Research Project:
All sectors of agriculture face pressure to increase production with sustainability. The current project focuses on insect-based protein alternatives for poultry production, examining the use of insect meal to support sustainable feed, food safety, and overall performance. The work includes evaluating the effect of insect inclusion on food safety and leveraging the bioremediation potential of insects.

Learning Objectives:
The successful candidate will learn to perform microbiological techniques, follow protocols for sample collection and processing, conduct feeding trials with insect-based diets, collect biological samples, maintain sterile techniques, and analyze data for publications.

Amanda Ashworth (amanda.ashworth). For questions about the research, contact the mentor.

Anticipated

Start Date:

March 2, 2026 (start date flexible).

Appointment Length:
Initially one year; may be renewed based on ARS approval and funding.

Level of Participation:
Full time.

Stipend:
The monthly stipend is commensurate with educational level and experience; anticipated annual range is $55,000 – $60,000.

Citizenship Requirements: U.S. citizens only.

This program is administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. DOE to manage ORISE. Participants are not employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and do not receive employment-related benefits. Health insurance is required and can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions:
Please visit the Program Website. For additional questions about the application process, email ORISE.ARS.Southeast and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualified candidates should be pursuing or have recently earned a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field (Poultry or Animal Science or related). Degree must have been received within the past five years or anticipated by 4/1/2026.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree:
  Master's or Doctoral degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated by 4/1/2026
• Discipline(s):
  Life Health and Medical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Animal Health and Food Safety, Animal Sciences, Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Entomology, Food Sciences and Technology, Immunology, Microbiology, Nutritional Sciences, Veterinary Sciences
• Veteran Status:
  Veterans Preference (degree received within the last 120 months)