USDA-ARS Fellowship in Microbiology, Food Science, or Chemistry

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-SEA-

11/20/2026 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), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people;

sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

The USDA-ARS Food Science & Market Quality and Handling Research Unit is engaged in the development of new and enhanced technologies that support vegetable pickling, by fermentation or acidification, in the USA, under the USDA-ARS National Program 306, Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products. A current research project evaluates the role of microbes in texture losses of vegetables during processing and long-term storage.

You will participate in all aspects of scientific research and laboratory operations with specific and expanded opportunities associated with microscopy using a Keyence Imaging System, enzyme kinetic assays using microbial cultures, supernatants and/or extracts, and texture measurements on vegetable tissue. You will participate in data collection and analysis and collaboratively advance the development of standard operating procedures for advanced microscopy.

Through this educational opportunity, you will develop foundational knowledge and practical skills in the following areas:

• Master routine laboratory techniques to ensure the production of accurate and reproducible data, along with the ability to collect, process, and analyze such data effectively.
• Build proficiency in microscopy techniques and microbial enzyme assays, enhancing understanding of microbial processes.
• Learn methods for measuring food texture, with a specific focus on vegetables, to explore applications in food science.

This experience is designed to foster growth in scientific understanding and technical expertise within a supportive learning environment.

The mentor for this opportunity is Ilenys M. Perez-Diaz (ilenys.perez-diaz). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

January/February 2027. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of 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 (40 hours per week).

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $35,000 - $50,000 yearly.

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 through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA,…