USDA-ARS Forage Legume Breeding Internship

*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 Madison, Wisconsin.

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: The participant will receive hands-on training in forage legume breeding field techniques. Skills learned will include small plot experiment establishment and principles, small plot machinery operation (tractors, seeders, tillage, pesticide application), managed pollinator breeding cross techniques, seed processing and threshing techniques, and small plot and individual plant data collection techniques and organizational principles.  

Learning Objectives: Participant will receive training to be a certified pesticide applicator.  Participant will learn in a team environment interacting with field and lab researchers.  The participant will be given targeted opportunities to interact and network with agricultural researchers, university researchers, and stakeholders.  The participant will learn about various forage legumes and cover crops, their uses, and how to improve these species through breeding.  Forage legumes and cover crops investigated include red clover, alfalfa, hairy vetch, Austrian winter pea, and crimson clover.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Heathcliffe Riday (heathcliffe.riday@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full 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, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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.Midwest@orau.org  and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree with interest in one of the relevant fields (genetics, plant breeding, agriculture, evolution, or environmental sciences with an emphasis on genetics and agricultural systems).

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.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree.
• Academic Level(s): Post-Bachelor's or Undergraduate Students.