USDA-ARS Electronics/Agricultural Engineering Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

Athens (GA)

On-site

USD 60,000 - 79,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, affiliated with the USDA, seeks participants for a research opportunity in Athens, Georgia, focusing on developing nondestructive sensors for agricultural products. Candidates with a master's or doctoral degree in relevant fields are required. The work includes assembling and testing sensors, offering a monthly stipend between $60,000 - $79,000 yearly. This opportunity is available exclusively for U.S. citizens.

Qualifications

Master's or doctoral degree must have been earned in the past five years.

Responsibilities

Assist in developing nondestructive sensors for agricultural products.
Participate in organizing data and modeling dielectric responses.
Gain experience in assembling and calibrating microwave sensors.

Skills

Electronics

Physics

System integration and testing

Programming

Education

Master's or doctoral degree in relevant fields

Job description

How To Apply

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

An application
Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
Two educational or professional recommendations

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-SEA-2026-0149

How To Apply

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

A Complete Application Consists Of

An application
Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
Two educational or professional recommendations

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

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Application Deadline

6/5/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

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 Athens, Georgia.

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: Our research project focuses on developing nondestructive sensors for measurement of quality and safety parameters in grain, seed, nuts, feed, and poultry meat. These sensors are designed to be implemented on-line for real-time measurements and can be used by farmers, inspectors, and graders. After collecting and organizing the data, the participant will contribute in the modeling of the dielectric response of these materials with the focus on identifying correlations between the dielectric properties and physical properties of interest.

Learning Objectives: The participant will be trained on assembling, testing and calibrating microwave sensors for measurement of the dielectric properties of grain, seed, nuts, feed, and poultry meat at radio frequencies. During their time in our laboratory, the participant will gain experience in the development of inexpensive microwave sensors from concept to prototype testing and calibration. This solid engineering background will be advantageous to the participant in their future career.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Samir Trabelsi (samir.trabelsi@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 1, 2026. 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. The anticipated stipend range is $60,000 - $79,000 yearly.

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 received a master’s or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been earned in the past five years.

Preferred Skills