USDA-ARS Internship in Biological and Information Technology Sciences
*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), within the Crop Genetics Research Unit at the Jamie Whitten Delta States Research Center located in Stoneville, Mississippi.
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 mission of the Crop Genetics Research Unit is to:
- Develop knowledge of the biology of cotton and soybean plants including their genetic, physiological, and pest resistance interactions with the environment;
- Discover heritable plant characteristics that confer resistance or tolerance to adverse environmental pressures, pests and diseases and improve quality;
- Coordinate the National Cotton Variety Tests and the Uniform Soybean Tests for the southern U.S.;
- Maintain and evaluate a soybean germplasm collection;
- Release improved germplasm, and use this knowledge and new germplasm to enhance production and improve the environment. https://www.ars.usda.gov/southeast-area/stoneville-ms/crop-genetics-research/
Research Project: Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will address three goals of the project, including:
- Learn basic field and laboratory methods to study the underlying basis of resistance to two emerging cotton diseases.
- Assist in development of computer based systems to streamline the collection and processing of data collected from field and laboratory studies.
- Learn how to protect and store data collected.
The participant will use new computer based methods to identify cotton with resistance to two emerging cotton diseases. This will allow us to help mitigate the effects of these diseases and improve the quality of cotton so U.S. farmers can continue to grow it economically. The project involves a mix of field and laboratory evaluation of cotton, learning computer based systems to facilitate trait evaluation and transfer, using computer IT methods to manage and protect data. The participant will have the opportunity to learn classical plant genetic methods as well as basic field and laboratory analyses. In addition, through the computer IT component the participant will learn how data is generated, stored, and protected. There will also be an opportunity to learn from other scientists assigned to this program and interact with stakeholder farmers.
Learning Objectives: During the course of research, the participant will be mentored by a scientist to carry out a variety of activities including field techniques for cotton plant hybridization, tissue sampling, digital data collection using tablets and microscopes and basic laboratory assays for seed and fiber quality. The participant will also learn computer IT methods to manage and protect data.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Jodi Scheffler (jodi.scheffler@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: April 2024 or when filled. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 6 months, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full time or part time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
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.Southeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have earned their high school diploma/GED and is currently pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in the one of the relevant fields (e.g. a biological or information technology field of science).
Depending on the research project objectives, the selected candidate may need to operate a government owned vehicle (GOV) and will be required to show proof of a valid U.S. State Driver’s License and provide proof of an active U.S. auto insurance policy.
Preferred skills:
- The desire to learn a new field
- Laboratory skills useful for plant research
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Currently pursuing an Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree.