USDA ARS Postdoc in Fungal Pathogen Detection and Control

How To Apply

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 printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems;  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-PWA-

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 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

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Questions? Connect with ORISE. Download the ORISE GO mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to stay engaged during your ORISE experience and beyond.

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

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

ARS Office/Lab and

Location:

A research opportunity with the USDA ARS Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruit Research Lab, Hood River, Oregon.

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. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support nourishment and well-being, sustain agroecosystems and natural resources, and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture.

The agency's vision is global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

Pears, a ~ $400M U.S. crop, are significant for multiple states, especially Washington, Oregon, and California. Mucor piriformis (Mucor rot) can cause significant annual cold chain losses, reducing profit and pear industry viability. This project will develop validated quantification methods, pathogen resources, and control strategies, advancing goals of the National Farm Security Action Plan to protect producers, safeguard rural economies, and preserve U.S. market access.

The approach will include transcriptomics to quantify pathogen load in samples and metagenomics and bioinformatics to understand genetic diversity of the pathogen. Potential research areas include genomic epidemiology, ecological surveillance, and ecological modeling.

Learning Objectives: Through this fellowship, the successful applicant will gain valuable hands-on experience and develop expertise in laboratory and cold chain research. The participant will learn and enhance skills in the following areas:

• Develop and validate qPCR methods for detecting in environmental and dump tank samples.
• Understand genetic diversity of Mucor piriformis.
• Identify high priority geographical regions for continued sampling
• Scientific communication: disseminating research findings through peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, and presentations at scientific and stakeholder meetings.

Through these project opportunities, the fellow will expand expertise in plant pathology, molecular biology, microbiology, experimental design, statistical analysis, and scientific communication. This training will prepare the participant for future roles in agricultural research, environmental science, and related fields.

Mentor(s): John Bennett (john.bennett). For questions about the research, contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment

Start Date:

2026, as soon as possible. Start date is flexible and will depend on various factors.

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

Level of Participation: Full-time.

Participant Stipend: Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $70,000 - $75,000 annually.

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

ORISE Information: ORISE administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. DOE to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (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 in this program and can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please visit the Program…