USDA-ARS Experimental and Computational Agricultural Application Engineering Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; College Station (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is offering a one-year full-time research opportunity with the USDA ARS in Plains. The selected candidate will engage in projects that explore atomization, spray deposition, and system performance using advanced diagnostics and modeling.

Applicants should have a master's degree or be close to completion by 8/31/2027, be a U.S. citizen, and be prepared for a competitive stipend of $60,000–$65,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace and Aeronautical, Agricultural Engineering, Biological/Biosystems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Engineering (General), or Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering; degree received within the last 12 months or expected by 2027-08-31.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental and computational investigations to improve understanding of agricultural application systems.
• Utilize optical diagnostics, high-speed imaging, and image analysis to quantify atomization and droplet transport.
• Collaborate with ARS scientists to interpret results and explore engineering approaches for improvement.

Education

Master's degree in relevant field

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-PA-2026-0313

Application Deadline

10/9/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

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

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 USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Aerial Application Technology Research Unit conducts research to improve the safety, efficiency, effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of agricultural application systems, including aerial and ground-based equipment used to accurately and efficiently deliver crop protection products and other agricultural inputs. Research integrates agricultural engineering, physical sciences, and computational approaches to advance the understanding of atomization, spray transport, deposition, application system performance, and the measurement and modeling technologies that support these systems.

Research Project

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to be involved in research investigating the engineering principles governing agricultural application systems. Research may include experimental and computational studies examining atomization, droplet formation, spray transport, deposition, nozzle performance, and the influence of physicochemical properties of agricultural spray formulations on application performance. Depending on the needs of the research project, research may also incorporate advanced optical diagnostics, quantitative image analysis, computational modeling, and remote sensing technologies to improve understanding, evaluation, and prediction of agricultural application system performance.

You may participate in laboratory, wind tunnel, field, and computational investigations designed to improve understanding of agricultural application systems. Activities may include collecting and analyzing experimental data; utilizing advanced optical diagnostic methods, high-speed imaging systems, and engineering instrumentation to characterize atomization, droplet formation, and transport processes; applying quantitative image analysis and scientific programming techniques; comparing experimental observations with computational models; and collaborating with ARS scientists to interpret research findings and explore engineering approaches for improving agricultural application technologies.

Learning Objectives

• Engineering principles governing agricultural application systems.
• Atomization, droplet transport, and deposition processes.
• Experimental methods used to characterize agricultural application systems.
• Advanced optical diagnostics, high-speed imaging, and quantitative image analysis.
• Integration of experimental measurements with computational modeling and engineering analysis.
• Scientific programming and quantitative analysis of engineering data.
• Application of remote sensing technologies to agricultural engineering research.
• Scientific communication through technical presentations and scientific publications.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Brad Fritz ([e-mail]). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

October 2026 or as soon as possible. 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.

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 [e-mail] and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree should have been received within the past one year or anticipated to be received by 8/31/2027.

Stipend

$60,000.00 – $65,000.00 Yearly

Point of Contact

Janeen

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 12 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Aerospace and Aeronautical
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Biological/Biosystems Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Engineering (General)
  • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering