USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship : Floral Chemistry, Pollinators, and Microbe Intera

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-SEA-

8/14/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Complete application materials include:

• An application
• Transcript(s) – an unofficial transcript or a copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted (see link for details).
• 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.

This opportunity offers a comprehensive educational and training experience centered on the intricate world of floral chemistry and its ecological impacts. The project explores chemical‑mediated interactions between flowers, pollinators, and microbes to identify floral metabolites that influence microbial communities in flowers and/or pollinator health and behavior. The focus on pollinators and/or microbes will be based on the candidate’s interests and the trajectory of the results obtained in chemical analyses.

• Research and investigate the chemical composition of floral tissues (e.g., petals, anthers) and rewards (nectar and pollen).
• Conduct analyses using advanced analytical techniques, including high‑resolution mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography, to identify novel bioactive chemicals.
• Design and implement bioassays with various microorganisms (pathogenic and benign) and insects (pollinators and florivores) to understand how floral chemistry influences their interactions.
• Participate in experiments conducted across diverse settings, including controlled laboratory environments, greenhouse facilities, and natural field conditions.
• Gain extensive training in cutting‑edge analytical instrumentation and methodologies, and specialized expertise in microbiology and insect assay development.
• Collaborate with a team of scientists, fostering knowledge exchange and contributing to scientific discourse.

Caitlin Rering (caitlin.rering)

September 2026 (flexible)

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

Full time.

Monthly stipend range: $4,500 - $5,299.

U.S. citizens only.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with DOE, is established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants are not employees of USDA, ARS, DOE, or the program administrator; no employment‑related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation.

The candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Ecology, Phytochemistry, Plant Biology, Entomology, Microbiology, or a closely related field). The degree must have been received within the past five years or anticipated to be received by the end of this year.

• Familiarity with high‑resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), including method development, data acquisition, and interpretation for complex natural products.
• Adeptness in liquid chromatography (LC) (e.g., HPLC, UPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) for separating and analyzing plant metabolites and volatiles.
• Experience in preparing diverse biological samples (floral tissues, nectar, pollen) for chemical analysis.
• Familiarity with microbial culturing and conducting bioassays with various microorganisms (bacteria, fungi).
• Experience conceptualizing, performing, and analyzing insect bioassays (with pollinators, florivores) to assess responses to chemical cues.
• Experience in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings.
• Knowledge of statistical software (R, SAS) for analyzing complex chemical and biological datasets.
• Experience with scientific writing, publications, and presentations.
• Excellent problem‑solving, independent research, and collaborative skills.
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to laboratory safety protocols.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only.
• Degree:
  Doctoral degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences – Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry (General).
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences.