USDA-ARS Controlling Honeybee Parasites and Pathogens Fellowship

USDA-ARS Controlling Honeybee Parasites and Pathogens Fellowship

Join to apply for the USDA-ARS Controlling Honeybee Parasites and Pathogens Fellowship role at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
.

Final date to receive applications: 1/16/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone.

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

Application documents:

• 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-.

Research project:
The research project focuses on the discovery and development of novel tools and strategies for controlling honeybee parasites and pathogens.

Principal responsibilities include:

• Sampling of bees and associated parasites/pathogens from diverse environments.
• Identification and characterization of bee parasites and pathogens.
• Isolation and purification of microbial and plant compounds for controlling bee parasites and pathogens.
• Bioassays to evaluate therapeutic properties of microbial and plant-based agents against bee parasites and pathogens.
• Maintenance of bee colonies and greenhouse.
• Laboratory experiments.

Learning objectives:
The participant will learn a variety of skills including designing and conducting field and laboratory experiments, isolation and characterization of microbes using morphological and molecular techniques, isolation and purification of plant compounds, data collection and management, and development of standard operating procedures.

Mentor:
Ephantus Muturi (Ephantus.

Muturi).

Anticipated appointment start date: 2025 (flexible).

Appointment length:
Initially 11 months, with possibility of extension upon recommendation and availability of funds.

Level of participation:
Full-time.

Stipend: $45,000 – $74,000 annually (monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience).

Citizenship requirement: U.S. citizen only.

Preferred skills:

• Experience and interest in designing and conducting experiments under controlled (laboratory, greenhouse, and field) conditions.
• Experience and interest in working with bees or closely related insects.
• Hands‑on experience in isolation and identification of microbes, isolation and identification of bioactive compounds from microbes and/or plants, microbial cultures, and molecular biology skills such as PCR, RT-qPCR, RNAi, cloning, and sequencing.

Eligibility requirements:

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only.
• Degree:
  Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral Degree.

Point of Contact:
Janeen (email: ORISE.ARS.Midwest, include reference code in email).

ORISE Information:
This program is administered by ORAU through its contract with DOE and is not an employment benefit. Proof of health insurance is required for participation. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions:
Please visit our Program Website. For additional questions, email ORISE.ARS.Midwest.