USDA-ARS Enhancing Malt Quality Evaluation of Barley and Malt Characteristics

Position: USDA-ARS Enhancing Malt Quality Through Evaluation of Barley and Malt Characteristics

USDA-ARS Enhancing Malt Quality Through Evaluation of Barley and Malt Characteristics

Join to apply for the USDA-ARS Enhancing Malt Quality Through Evaluation of Barley and Malt Characteristics role at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.

How To Apply

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

• 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.

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-MWA-

Final date to receive applications

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

ARS Office/Lab and Location

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

Research Project

Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellows will be conducting research toward the improvement of the malting quality of barley lines produced in U.S. breeding programs. Research performed will include participating in the malt quality evaluation programs for barley lines submitted by collaborating scientists, performing wet‑lab assays to collect phenotypic data from malts produced by the project, and analyzing the malt quality data to assess potential gains in the brewing and distilling process that can be attributed to barley variety or processing methods.

Summarized data will be disseminated to collaborating scientists located across the U.S.

Learning Objectives

The fellows will become versed in the science of malting through the grading of raw grain, the processing of grain into malts using established micro‑malting procedures and the wet‑lab protocols including quantifying grain protein and moisture, assessing hydrolytic enzyme activity, measuring free amino‑nitrogen concentration and extract potential, and performing modified mashing procedures.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Jason Walling (jason.walling). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

As soon as possible. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length

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

Level of Participation

Full time.

Participant Stipend

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $40,000 – $55,000 annually.

Citizenship Requirements

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

ORISE Information

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.

Questions

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

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or have received an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred Skills

• Ideal candidates will have interest in pursuing careers in food science, lab quality assurance, and/or malting/brewing/distilling industries.
• Some familiarity with routine lab procedures and feel comfortable in a laboratory environment.
• Able to stand for extended periods (>2 hrs) and able to lift >25 pounds.

Point of Contact

Janeen

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree:
  Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or Master's Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Agriculture
  • Biology (General)
  • Food Sciences and Technology
  • Genetics, including Genome Sciences
  • Plant Sciences

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