USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Maize Breeding and Genetics

USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Maize Breeding and Genetics

Apply to a full‑time postdoctoral fellowship at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) for a comprehensive research project in maize breeding and genetics.

• Complete the online application.
• Submit an unofficial transcript or copy of academic records.
• Provide a current resume/CV detailing academic history, employment history, relevant experience, and publication list.
• Include two educational or professional recommendations.
• All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

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

USDA ARS Corn Host Plant Resistance Research Unit, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi

The long‑term goal of the research unit is to identify and develop corn germplasm that resists Aspergillus flavus infection, limits aflatoxin accumulation, and resists insect damage using both conventional breeding and marker‑assisted approaches.

• Conduct phenotype trials related to maize breeding and genetics.
• Perform marker‑trait association analysis and RNA‑Seq to identify genetic variations tied to desirable traits.
• Prepare data for scientific technical reports and manuscripts.
• Stay current with scientific advances by reading literature and attending approved workshops, meetings, and conferences.

Ebrahiem Babiker (ebrahiem.babiker)

Proposed start date:
March 2026 (flexible). Initial appointment length: one year, potentially renewable based on fund availability.

Full‑time.

Approximately $72,000 per year, with a health‑insurance supplement.

U.S. citizen only.

This program is administered by ORAU under a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy. Participants are not employees of USDA, ARS, DOE, or ORAU. Proof of health insurance is required.

Contact orise.ars.southeast, including the reference code USDA‑ARS‑SEA‑2025‑0221.

Applicants should have received or be actively pursuing a doctoral degree in a relevant field.

• Professional knowledge in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, plant pathology, agronomy, and statistical analysis.
• Experience conducting plant breeding and genetics research resulting in peer‑reviewed publications.

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen only.
• Degree:
  Doctoral degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Bioinformatics
  • Computational Biology
  • Entomology
  • Genetics, including Genome Sciences
  • Horticulture
  • Plant Sciences