USDA-ARS Research Biological Control of Aflatoxins

How To Apply

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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-PWA-

2/13/2026 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), within the Pest Management and Biocontrol Unit of the Arid Land Agricultural Research Center located in Tucson, Arizona. 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 overall research goal of the lab is to develop, improve, optimize, and disseminate aflatoxin biocontrol technologies to growers. This is accomplished through a combination of laboratory and field studies aimed at understanding how biocontrol strains of Aspergillus flavus interact with aflatoxin‑producing fungi under different biotic and abiotic conditions. The current 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.

Through this fellowship, the successful applicant will gain hands‑on experience and develop expertise in both laboratory and applied field research. The participant will have the opportunity to learn and refine skills in the following areas:

• Field and Laboratory Study Setup and Maintenance:
  The fellow will learn how to design, set up, and maintain field and laboratory experiments, gaining practical experience in managing research projects.
• Crop and Soil Sample Collection and Analysis:
  The participant will be trained in the collection, processing, and analysis of crop and soil samples using microbiological, molecular biological, and chemical methods. This includes characterizing fungal populations and quantifying aflatoxin concentrations, which are critical components of plant pathology research.
• Preparation of Laboratory Materials:
  The fellow will learn to prepare test solutions, culture media, and reagents, ensuring proper laboratory protocols and procedures are followed.
• Safe Handling of Laboratory Materials:
  Training will include proper labeling, handling, storage, use, and disposal of solutions, biohazard and hazardous waste, and microbiological cultures, emphasizing laboratory safety and compliance.
• Data Documentation and Record‑Keeping:
  The participant will develop skills in maintaining accurate records using a laboratory notebook, learning best practices for data documentation and management.
• Summarizing and Interpreting Research Results:
  The fellow will gain experience in analyzing and interpreting research findings, contributing to scientific understanding and advancing their ability to communicate results effectively.

The mentor for this opportunity is Hillary Mehl (hillary.mehl). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

As soon as possible. 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.

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $37,000 -…