USDA-ARS Plant Research Fellowship

Research Project

The work supports the USDA Agricultural Research Service mission to deliver scientific solutions to agricultural challenges for producers, consumers, and the environment. The project focuses on integrating trait discovery and disease‑management strategies to reduce crop losses and enhance sustainability. Specifically, we aim to leverage plant genetic diversity and genomics to develop improved soybean germplasm and breeding tools for resilient, high‑yield crops.

The role involves screening soybean germplasm—including wild accessions—for resistance to biotic stresses, and applying innovative breeding methods to introgress exotic and wild genetic variation with minimal undesirable traits.

• Understand the general process of a soybean breeding program
• Practice field‑based techniques (planting, controlled pollinations, observational data collection) to connect theory to practical breeding processes
• Curate datasets for scientific use
• Conduct quality checks for technical reporting
• Apply disease inoculation techniques for soybean diseases

Lilian Miranda (Lilian.Miranda). For questions about the research, contact the mentor.

Start Date:

Anticipated September/November 2026 (flexible).

Length:
Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation and availability of funds.

Level of Participation:
Full time.

Stipend: $3,750 – $4,350 monthly, commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship: U.S. Citizens only.

• Knowledge of basic lab protocols and plant pathology techniques
• Interest in plant pathology and plant breeding
• Experience in collecting field and greenhouse data carefully and consistently, and using quality control best practices for acquiring, entering, and managing data
• Knowledge of row crops

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen
• Degree:
  Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Crop Science, plant biology, plant pathology, or a related field

Sara Beth