USDA-ARS Plant Research Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 41,850 - 48,546; Full time

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education invites applications for a Research Project focused on integrating trait discovery and disease-management strategies in soybeans. The role involves screening soybean germplasm, including wild accessions, for resistance to biotic stresses and applying innovative breeding methods.

Start date is September to November 2026 for one year, with a monthly stipend of 3,750–4,350 USD, for U.S. citizens only. Mentor: Lilian Miranda.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in crop science, plant biology, plant pathology, or related field.
• Interest in plant pathology and plant breeding.
• Experience collecting field and greenhouse data with quality control practices.
• Knowledge of row crops.

Responsibilities

• Screen soybean germplasm—including wild accessions—for resistance to biotic stresses.
• Apply breeding methods to introgress exotic and wild genetic variation with minimal undesirable traits.
• Curate datasets for scientific use and quality checks for reporting.

Skills

Lab protocols

Plant pathology

Data collection & QA

Row crops

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Crop Science/plant biology/plant pathology

Job description

Research Project

The work supports the USDA Agricultural Research Service mission to deliver scientific solutions to agricultural challenges for producers, consumers, and the environment. The project focuses on integrating trait discovery and disease‑management strategies to reduce crop losses and enhance sustainability. Specifically, we aim to leverage plant genetic diversity and genomics to develop improved soybean germplasm and breeding tools for resilient, high‑yield crops. The role involves screening soybean germplasm—including wild accessions—for resistance to biotic stresses, and applying innovative breeding methods to introgress exotic and wild genetic variation with minimal undesirable traits.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the general process of a soybean breeding program
• Practice field‑based techniques (planting, controlled pollinations, observational data collection) to connect theory to practical breeding processes
• Curate datasets for scientific use
• Conduct quality checks for technical reporting
• Apply disease inoculation techniques for soybean diseases

Mentor

Lilian Miranda ([e-mail]). For questions about the research, contact the mentor.

Appointment Details

Start Date: Anticipated September/November 2026 (flexible).

Length: Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation and availability of funds.

Level of Participation: Full time.

Stipend: $3,750 – $4,350 monthly, commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship: U.S. Citizens only.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of basic lab protocols and plant pathology techniques
• Interest in plant pathology and plant breeding
• Experience in collecting field and greenhouse data carefully and consistently, and using quality control best practices for acquiring, entering, and managing data
• Knowledge of row crops

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Crop Science, plant biology, plant pathology, or a related field

Point of Contact

Sara Beth