USDA-ARS Fellowship Developing Phenotyping Techniques and Genetic Analysis

USDA-ARS Fellowship for Developing New Phenotyping Techniques and Genetic Analysis

Join to apply for the USDA-ARS Fellowship for Developing New Phenotyping Techniques and Genetic Analysis role at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

Final date to receive applications: 3/13/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at Madison, Wisconsin, invites a one-year full‑time fellowship to support research in the Vegetable Crops Research Unit. The Fellow will participate in the USDA‑ARS Vegetable Crop Research Project in Madison, WI, developing techniques for evaluating plant chemical composition and performing genetic analysis of carrot nutrients and anti‑nutrients, plant growth, pest and disease resistance. Activities periodic travel to U.S. field sites and use of specialized equipment such as HPLC/GCMS, PCR, and ICP‑MS.

Specific learning objectives include: searching pertinent literature; growing, collecting, and evaluating plant samples; using specialized equipment; generating and evaluating genome sequencing data with bioinformatic tools; and applying advanced statistical analytical techniques to evaluate genetic and genomic data.

• Develop an understanding of how genetic analyses can be used to study the inheritance of plant chemical composition and plant disease resistance.
• Develop hypothesis‑based research plans to study plant development and disease attack.
• Learn advanced statistical analytical techniques to evaluate genetic and genomic data.
• Develop plant phenotyping techniques to gather detailed information on crop production traits.
• Participate in carrot germplasm enhancement for release to stakeholders.

• Currently pursuing or have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the relevant fields.

• Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding, molecular biology, and/or biotechnology.
• Knowledge of statistical and bioinformatics tools applicable to conducting genomic and genetic experiments.
• Experience in micropipetting and PCR.
• Experience in plant propagation and seed production.
• Ability to plan and conduct research experiments to understand genetics underlying traits of interest.
• Ability to perform statistical analysis of experimental data and conduct bioinformatic analysis of genome sequencing data.
• Experience in the analysis of high‑throughput genotyping or phenotyping data is a plus.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only.
• Degree:
  Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  Life Health and Medical Sciences, Agronomy and Crop Science, Biochemistry Biology (General), Botany, Genetics (including Genome Sciences), Horticulture, Plant Sciences.

Mentor:
Dr. Philipp Simon (philipp.simon). For questions about the research, please contact the mentor.

Point of Contact:
Janeen. For additional application questions, email ORISE.ARS.Midwest and include the reference code USDA‑ARS‑MWA‑2026‑0005.

Hours:

Full‑time. Length:
One year, potentially extended upon recommendation and contingent on funding. Stipend:
Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: U.S. citizens only. Proof of health insurance is required; it can be obtained through ORISE.