USDA-ARS Mitigating Vomitoxin Contamination in Corn Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 60,933 - 72,986; Full time

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is looking for a participant for a research opportunity in Peoria, Illinois. This role focuses on mitigating vomitoxin contamination in corn through interdisciplinary research in genetics, microbiology, and plant pathology.

The selected candidate will receive a monthly stipend of $6,000 and will work under the guidance of experienced mentors. Applicants should possess or be pursuing a doctoral degree in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field is required.
• Experience in microbiology, molecular biology, and fungal pathogens is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interdisciplinary research on food safety and crop production.
• Collaborate with a research team on corn contamination studies.

Skills

General microbiology techniques

General molecular biology techniques

Experience with fungal pathogens

Conducting plant-pathogen disease assays

Education

Doctoral degree in relevant fields

Job description

Overview

Organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code: USDA-ARS-MWA-2026-0265

Location: Peoria, Illinois – Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology (MPM) Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR)

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 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.

Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $6,000 monthly.

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.

Key Responsibilities and Learning Objectives

The program includes the following learning objectives and activities under the guidance of a mentor:

• Describe interdisciplinary research approaches in genetics, microbiology, chemistry, and plant pathology to enhance food safety and crop production.
• Collaborate with scientists in the Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology (MPM) Research Unit on efforts to mitigate vomitoxin contamination in corn.
• Evaluate the impact of abiotic factors on corn susceptibility to mycotoxin contamination.
• Conduct field and greenhouse inoculation studies to assess disease development and toxin accumulation.
• Identify the application of mitigation strategies aimed at reducing vomitoxin levels in corn and improving crop resilience.

Responsibilities and Activities

Research opportunities include collaboration on projects related to genetics, microbiology, chemistry, and plant pathology with the goal of enhancing food safety and crop production. You will have the opportunity to work with a team of scientists on research aimed at mitigating vomitoxin contamination in corn and evaluating abiotic factors influencing susceptibility, including field and greenhouse studies.

Qualifications

Required: The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred Skills:

• General microbiology techniques
• General molecular biology techniques
• Experience with fungal pathogens
• Experience in conducting plant-pathogen disease assays

Benefits and Support

Participant Stipend: $6,000 monthly

Contact / Point of Contact: Sara Beth

Eligibility and Related Information

Eligibility Requirements: This opportunity is open to U.S. citizens only.

Application Deadline: 7/2/2027 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

How To Apply: Submit your application by following the opportunity page instructions and clicking APPLY at the bottom of the page. Required documents typically include an application, unofficial transcripts, a current resume/CV, and two educational or professional recommendations. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.