USDA-ARS Perennial Ryegrass Abiotic Stress Genetics Postdoctoral Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Corvallis (OR); On-site; USD 83,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) invites applications for a research opportunity with USDA ARS in Corvallis, Oregon. The appointment is full-time, starts Fall 2026, and lasts one year with potential renewal. The stipend is $6,928.92 monthly; U.S.

citizenship is required, and proof of health insurance is needed for participation. The project investigates genetics of heat and drought tolerance in perennial ryegrass, including Genome Wide Association Studies, field and lab

Qualifications

• The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
• Experience with plant genetics and abiotic stress research is preferred.
• Experience with field, greenhouse, and laboratory research is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in research into the genetics of heat and drought tolerance in perennial ryegrass in field and lab settings.
• Collect and analyze trait measurements related to plant development, physiology, and seed yield.
• Contribute to a Genome Wide Association Study to identify genetic variants.

Skills

Experience with plant genetics

Experience with plant abiotic stress

Field, greenhouse, and lab research

Education

Doctoral degree (recent within 5 years)

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-PWA-2026-0377

Application Deadline

12/4/2026 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), in Corvallis, Oregon.

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:

You will assist in research into the genetics of heat and drought tolerance in perennial ryegrass in field and lab settings under the guidance of a mentor at the Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit in Corvallis, OR. In the field, you will help collect and analyze trait measurements related to plant development, plant physiology, and seed yield under different irrigation regimes in two locations with different weather patterns. You will also aid in conducting a Genome Wide Association Study to identify genetic variants associated with these traits. In the lab, you will help evaluate root growth under heat and drought conditions and develop mapping populations to identify genes contributing to specific growth patterns.

Learning Objectives:

• Research strategies unique to obligate outcrossing grass species
• Measuring traits associated with plant development, physiology, and seed yield
• Genetics and genomics approaches to marker-trait associations
• Effective scientific communication and collaboration

Mentor(s):

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date:

Fall 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.

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 a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with plant genetics
• Experience with plant abiotic stress research
• Experience with field, greenhouse, and laboratory research

Stipend

$6,928.92 Monthly

Point of Contact

Janeen

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 48 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (
  • Biological Oceanography
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Environmental Studies
  • Fish and Wildlife
  • Fisheries
  • Forest Resources and Science
  • Forestry Sciences
  • Hydrologic Sciences
  • Marine Biology
  • Marine Science
  • Natural Resources
  • Oceanography
  • Soil Science
  • Wildlife Management
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )