USDA-APHIS History & Science Writing Fellowship

How to Apply

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

• An application
• Transcript(s) – 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.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-APHIS-

4/24/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), located in Manhattan, Kansas.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is a multi-faceted agency that protects and promotes U.S. agricultural health, regulates genetically engineered organisms, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and carries out wildlife damage management activities. These efforts support the overall USDA mission of protecting and promoting food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues. APHIS also addresses wildlife damage and disease management, regulates genetically engineered crops and animal welfare, and protects public health and safety as well as natural resources vulnerable to invasive pests and pathogens.

The Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) was established at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) in 1984 and has continued to provide 24/7 diagnostic support to protect the United States against high‑consequence, transboundary animal diseases. The mission of FADDL is transferring from PIADC to the newly established National Bio and Agro Defense Facility (NBAF). Over the decades, FADDL’s mission has grown and adapted to address global threats to animal health.

Although FADDL’s history is full of accomplishments and successes, its story has not been told in its entirety. The purpose of this project is to develop a comprehensive historical review of FADDL’s scientific mission.

Opportunities in this project include but are not limited to:

• Review and analyze historical records of FADDL’s scientific activities
• Interview current and former staff to identify major milestones and organizational changes
• Establish historical timelines of FADDL’s scientific mission
• Collect and analyze historical diagnostic test data
• Document scientific achievements and analyze the impact of those accomplishments

The fellow will learn and further develop project organizational skills, interviewing skills, and writing skills while interacting with scientists who have played a critical role in protecting the USA from transboundary disease incursion.

Robin Holland (Robin.

Holland). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

• Anticipated Appointment
  
  Start Date:
  
  March 2026 (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 APHIS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
• Level of Participation:
  Full time

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $51,000 – $75,000 annually. Candidates will be eligible to receive a health insurance allowance. Additionally, a travel allowance of $3,000 will be available to attend relevant trainings and conferences to present research findings.

This opportunity is available to 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…