USDA-ARS Nutritional Immunology Postdoctoral Fellowship
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Davis, California.
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.
Research Project: A two-year postdoctoral appointment beginning Spring 2026 in the lab of UC Davis Adjunct Assistant Professor and Research Scientist Dr. Ryan Snodgrass at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Western Human Nutrition Research Center (WHNRC) on the UC Davis campus is available to investigate lipid profiles and lipid mediator production in peripheral immune cells from human subjects. The participant will collaborate with Dr. Snodgrass to help develop an appropriate IRB-approved protocol to recruit human subjects-of-interest from Davis and/or the surrounding areas. Using donated blood samples from study participants, peripheral cells will be sorted and collected in house using our Sony MA-900 Cell Sorter. Collected cells will be analyzed and/or manipulated ex vivo and lipid profiles and lipid mediator production will be quantified using standardized and validated methods with help from WHNRC scientist Dr. John Newman. Additional techniques that may be incorporated in the project include multi-color flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, and ELISA.
Learning Objectives: In this opportunity, the participant will learn and receive training in nutritional and clinical immunology and gain experience isolating and analyzing peripheral immune cells from human subjects using flow cytometry and cell sorting techniques as well as quantifying various cell-derived lipids and proteins following ex vivo manipulation. Opportunities to collaborate with other scientists is also available and highly encouraged.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Ryan Snodgrass (ryan.snodgrass@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will be awarded for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $82,000 annually.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
ORISE Information: This program, 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), 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: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.PacificWest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past four years, or is currently pursuing.
Stipend
$82,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Doctoral Degree.