USDA-ARS Fellowship in Microbiology, Food Science, or Chemistry

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is offering a research opportunity with USDA ARS in Raleigh, NC. The position provides a full-time fellowship under the ORISE program, focusing on microbiology, chemistry, or food science research.

Anticipated start is January/February 2027 for one year, with potential renewal. Stipend ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 yearly, depending on education and experience. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in microbiology, chemistry, food science, or bioinformatics.
• Degree must be earned within the last five years or be in progress.

Responsibilities

• Participate in all aspects of scientific research and laboratory operations.
• Utilize microscopy, enzyme assays, and texture measurements to advance research.
• Develop standard operating procedures for advanced microscopy.

Skills

Microscopy

Enzyme kinetics

Texture analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Doctoral degree

Tools

Keyence Imaging System

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-SEA-2026-0376

Application Deadline

11/20/2026 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 Raleigh, North Carolina. 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 USDA-ARS Food Science & Market Quality and Handling Research Unit is engaged in the development of new and enhanced technologies that support vegetable pickling, by fermentation or acidification, in the USA, under the USDA-ARS National Program 306, Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products. A current research project evaluates the role of microbes in texture losses of vegetables during processing and long-term storage. You will participate in all aspects of scientific research and laboratory operations with specific and expanded opportunities associated with microscopy using a Keyence Imaging System, enzyme kinetic assays using microbial cultures, supernatants and/or extracts, and texture measurements on vegetable tissue. You will participate in data collection and analysis and collaboratively advance the development of standard operating procedures for advanced microscopy.

Learning Objectives

Through this educational opportunity, you will develop foundational knowledge and practical skills in the following areas:

• Master routine laboratory techniques to ensure the production of accurate and reproducible data, along with the ability to collect, process, and analyze such data effectively.
• Build proficiency in microscopy techniques and microbial enzyme assays, enhancing understanding of microbial processes.
• Learn methods for measuring food texture, with a specific focus on vegetables, to explore applications in food science.

This experience is designed to foster growth in scientific understanding and technical expertise within a supportive learning environment.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

January/February 2027. 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 (40 hours per week).

Participant Stipend

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $35,000 - $50,000 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 [e-mail] and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (microbiology, chemistry, food science, and/or bioinformatic). Degree must have been received within the past five years or be currently pursuing.

Preferred Skills

• Specific skills in microscopy or the measurement of enzyme kinetic from pure microbial cultures or vegetable texture analysis are desirable.

Stipend

$35,000.00 – $50,000.00 Yearly

Point of Contact

Janeen

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (Chemistry (General))
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).