Research Opportunity

Job Description

Here is the detailed job description:

Job Title: Research Opportunity

Organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

Reference Code: USDA-ARS-SEA-2025-0197

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

About the Opportunity:

A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Tallahassee, Florida. The ARS is the USDA’s chief scientific in-house research agency, dedicated to finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans daily, from field to table. This includes delivering cutting-edge scientific tools and innovative solutions for farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support nourishment, well-being, sustain agroecosystems and natural resources, and ensure economic competitiveness.

Research Project:

The selected participant will conduct laboratory research focused on the chemical ecology of interactions between host plants and pest insects. The primary aim is to develop strategies for the control of insect pests affecting agricultural crops. The participant will have the opportunity to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to execute studies and analyze data.

Learning Objectives:

Under the guidance of mentors, the research participant will gain valuable experience and skills in:

• Designing, implementing, and analyzing data from behavioral experiments to detect and qualify chemicals that guide insect behavior.
• Conducting research side-by-side with Federal scientists and technicians.
• Enriching their experience in the fields of entomology, behavior, and chemistry.

Mentor(s):

• Sandra Allan (sandy.allan@usda.gov)
• Alexander Gaffke (alexander.gaffke@usda.gov)

For questions regarding the nature of the research, please contact the mentors directly.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date:

January 2026 (Start date is flexible and subject to various factors).

Appointment Length:

The appointment will initially be for nine months. It may be renewed upon the recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation:

Part-time

Participant Stipend:

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with their educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $1,100 – $1,600 monthly.

Citizenship Requirements:

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

Qualifications:

• Required: The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in one of the relevant fields.
• Preferred Skills: Candidates with some coursework in entomology or practical experience conducting research with insects are preferred.

Eligible Disciplines:

• Chemistry and Materials Sciences (Chemistry – General)
• Life Health and Medical Sciences

How To Apply:

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of the original opportunity listing and click “APPLY”.

A Complete Application Consists Of:

1. An application
2. Transcript(s): An unofficial transcript or a copy of student academic records (printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems) is acceptable for this opportunity.
3. A current resume/CV: This must include academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and a publication list.
4. Two educational or professional recommendations.

All submitted documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Application Deadline:

February 27, 2026, at 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ORISE Information:

This program is 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). It 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.

Questions:

• For general program information, visit the Program Website.
• For additional questions about the application process, after reading the website, please email ORISE.ARS.Southeast@orau.org and include the reference code (USDA-ARS-SEA-2025-0197) for this opportunity.

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