USDA ARS Forage Phenology Remote Sensing 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
• A copy of an abstract or reprint of an article

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-NEA-

• 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
• A copy of an abstract or reprint of an article

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

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

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and

Location:

A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in Burlington, Vermont. The ARS mission is to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans, and the agency aims to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

This opportunity focuses on characterizing long-term phenology of perennial pasture lands in the Northeastern US using remote sensing tools, and on understanding drivers and impacts of phenological changes. The unit’s research supports regional food systems’ environmental sustainability, economic viability, and improved nutrition.

The fellow will gain experience in planning and conducting data collection, remote sensing, geospatial modeling, and statistical analysis to characterize forage productivity and phenology trends related to long-term weather patterns and land-use transitions.

The mentor for this opportunity is Matthew McIntosh (Matthew.

Mcintosh).

February 23, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on 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.

The appointment is full time.

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $6,600 monthly. A $465 health insurance supplement and $5,000 travel budget is also included.

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

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage 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.

Please visit our Program Website. If you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Northeast 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 fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 3/31/2026.

$6,600.00 Monthly

Janeen

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 3/31/2026
• Discipline(s):
• Earth and Geosciences