USDA-ARS Research in Plant Pathology Fellowship

How to Apply

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

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the 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-SEA-

2/13/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Byron, Georgia.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in‑house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting‑edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well‑being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources;

and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

The mission of the southeastern fruit and tree nut research station is to enhance the production, value, and safety of pecan, peach, nectarine, and plum crops. The participant will learn how to develop methods to improve control of key pecan diseases. The primary disease focus is pecan scab, but other diseases may also be studied. Novel methods to suppress disease will be researched such as the use of endophytes, bacterial metabolites, drone technology, new fungicides, etc.

Research toward understanding the biology and ecology of pecan diseases will also be incorporated. The participant will interact with stakeholders and other researchers involved in pecan plant pathology.

The participant will gain experience and skills in implementing plant pathology research. Through guidance and training by the mentor, the participant will implement research from experimental design through analysis.

The mentor for this opportunity is David Shapiro‑Ilan (David.

Shapiro). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

January 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

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

The appointment is full time.

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $6,162 - $7,385 monthly.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. 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 in this program.

Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Southeast and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (botany, biology, microbiology, plant science or agronomy) or has received an appropriate STEM certificate (along with a doctoral degree) within 12 months of the start of the appointment.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  Life Health and Medical Sciences;
  Agricultural Sciences;
  Agriculture;
  Agronomy and Crop Science;
  Microbiology;
  Plant Sciences.