USDA-ARS Research Biological Control of Aflatoxins

USDA-ARS Research Opportunity in Biological Control of Aflatoxins

Join the USDA-ARS Research Opportunity in Biological Control of Aflatoxins role at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
.

Organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code: USDA-ARS-PWA-

Final date to receive applications: 2/13/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

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. The research goal of the lab is to develop, improve, optimize, and disseminate aflatoxin biocontrol technologies to growers. This project focuses on applied field research aimed at developing aflatoxin biocontrol application recommendations that will increase the efficacy and minimize the long‑term cost of biocontrol treatments in corn.

• Design, set up, and maintain field and laboratory experiments.
• Collect, process, and analyze crop and soil samples using microbiological, molecular biological, and chemical methods.
• Prepare test solutions, culture media, and reagents, ensuring proper laboratory protocols and procedures are followed.
• Train in safe handling, labeling, storage, use, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Maintain accurate records using a laboratory notebook.
• Analyze and interpret research findings and communicate results effectively.

In this fellowship, the applicant will execute the learning objectives above, assist the mentor with ongoing projects, and contribute to field data collection and laboratory analyses.

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree in a relevant field within the past five years.

• Experience with filamentous fungi.
• Desire and ability to conduct field research in agricultural settings.
• Experience in conducting field and/or laboratory experiments.
• Experience with standard microbiological and molecular biology techniques.
• Good communication skills both written and spoken.
• Attention to detail and ability to learn new skills.

• U.S. Citizen Only.
• Veteran Status:
  Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 months.

$37,000.00 – $41,000.00 annually

Anticipated

Start Date:

As soon as possible.

Appointment Length: Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation and funding availability.

Level of Participation: Full time.

Mentor: Hillary Mehl (hillary.mehl)

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Required Documents:

• An application.
• Transcript(s).
• Current resume/CV.
• Two educational or professional recommendations.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with DOE, 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.

Janeen — For additional questions about the application process, email ORISE.ARS.Pacific West and include the reference code for this opportunity.