USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Rice Utilization and Cancer Prevention

USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Rice Utilization and Cancer Prevention

Join to apply for the USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Rice Utilization and Cancer Prevention role at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
.

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

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

2/27/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

The participant will conduct research on the anticancer properties of rice and other plant-derived bioactive compounds. The project integrates analytical chemistry, natural product isolation, and cell-based bioassays to identify and characterize compounds that inhibit breast cancer cell growth and reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

• Assess cytotoxicity and anticancer potential of plant extracts and purified compounds derived from rice, soybean, and sugarcane using breast cancer cell lines.
• Evaluate the ability of extracts and isolated bioactives to inhibit ROS formation and other stress-related pathways in cell-based models.
• Collaborate with chemists to perform bioassay-guided fractionation to isolate, purify, and characterize active compounds.

• Mammalian cell culture and viability assays, including maintenance of cancer cell lines, execution of cytotoxicity assays, and quantification of growth inhibition.
• Mechanistic cell-based assays, including measurement of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulation, apoptosis markers, and other pathways affected by bioactive compounds.
• Analytical chemistry techniques for screening and characterizing phytochemicals, including extract preparation, chromatography, and bioassay-guided fractionation in collaboration with chemists.
• Data analysis and interpretation, including statistical evaluation of dose–response effects, comparison of extract fractions, and integration of biological and chemical datasets.
• Scientific communication and collaboration, including preparation of manuscripts, presentation of research findings, and coordination with researchers at Tulane University’s cancer biology laboratories.

Stephen Boue (steve.boue).

Anticipated Appointment

Start Date:

February 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.

Full time.

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $60,000 - $72,000 annually.

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 program.

Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions:
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…