USDA-ARS Sugarcane, Sugar Beet, and Sweet Sorghum Post-Harvest Processing Research

Organization & Location

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) – Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.

You will engage in research focused on analysis of microbial degradation and associated biofilms and polysaccharides in sugarcane and sugar beet post‑harvest storage and processing. The research includes analysis of sugar crop processing products, including sugars and syrups, resulting from experimental projects to improve food product quality and support new uses for sugar crops. This role is part of a collaborative research program focused on biological, chemical, and engineering analyses to improve sugar crop processing efficiency, consumer product quality, and development of novel, sustainable, and marketable goods from sugar processing co‑products.

• Mastering sample preparation and following experimental design protocols.
• Utilizing analytical instrumentation to support characterization of sugar products and associated carbohydrate samples.
• Collecting, organizing, and processing numerical data from analytical instrumentation, industrial facilities, and experimental analyses.
• Understanding biological and chemical aspects of sugarcane and sugar beet harvesting, transportation, storage, and raw sugar manufacturing.
• Developing scientific communication skills through supporting contributions to presentations and manuscript preparation.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in one of the relevant fields at an accredited U.S. college, university, or technical institute and maintain satisfactory progress in academic coursework.

• Experience in analysis of sugars and/or food products using techniques including HPLC, FTIR, and viscometry.
• Experience in multidisciplinary research teams, excellent communication skills, and a creative, solution‑oriented approach to troubleshooting analytical challenges.
• Familiarity with data science and machine learning applications for analytical chemistry, industrial/agricultural facilities, and techno‑economic analysis.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree Level: Currently pursuing an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s):
  Chemistry (including Analytical Chemistry, General Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry) and related fields such as Computer, Information, and Data Sciences, Engineering, Environmental and Marine Sciences, Life Health and Medical Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics.
• Age:
  Must be 18 years of age.

Evan Terrell (evan.terrell)

• Start date:
  
  2026, flexible.
• Length:
  Initially one year, may be renewed.
• Participation:
  Full time or part time, negotiable.

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000.

Proof of health insurance is required for participation. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

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

8/28/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Sara Beth

USDA-ARS-SEA-