USDA-ARS Postdoc Fellowship to Study Flood-Induced Insect Resistance in Cereals

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 62,578 - 74,957; Full time

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is offering a postdoctoral fellowship in Gainesville, Florida, focused on flood-induced insect resistance in cereals. This position involves conducting greenhouse-based bioassays and analyzing metabolites to further understand resistance mechanisms.

Candidates should possess a recent doctoral degree or be about to complete one in relevant fields. A monthly stipend of $6,162 is provided, and the appointment is full-time with possibilities for renewal.

Qualifications

• Must have received or be pursuing a doctoral degree within the last five years.
• Experience with plant molecular biology and analytical chemistry is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Investigate flood-induced insect resistance in cereals.
• Perform greenhouse-based plant-insect bioassays.
• Analyze plant metabolites using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Skills

Plant molecular biology

Analytical chemistry

Plant-insect interactions

Metabolite profiling by LC-MS

Gene expression analysis (RNAseq)

Education

Doctoral degree in relevant fields

Job description

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Gainesville, Florida, is offering a postdoctoral fellowship to investigate the mechanisms underlying flood‑induced insect resistance in cereals such as maize, rice, sorghum, wheat, oats, and rye.

Research Project

A Postdoctoral fellowship is available to help investigate the mechanisms underlying flood‑induced insect resistance in cereals such as maize, rice, sorghum, wheat, oats and rye. The candidate will perform greenhouse‑based plant‑insect bioassays on cereals involving flooding and infestation with fall armyworm, analyze plant metabolites using liquid chromatography‑mass spectrometry, and isolate and characterize mutants in maize, rice and sorghum to explore the mechanisms underlying flood‑induced resistance.

Learning Objectives

The participant will expand their skills in plant metabolite analysis, plant genetics, and plant stress biology. They will also receive mentoring in writing peer‑reviewed journal articles, and research project design and management, with the goal of developing skills required to become a principal investigator.

Mentor

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

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.

Participant Stipend

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $6,162.00 monthly.

Citizenship Requirements

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years or is pursuing and anticipated to receive by 10/1/2026.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with plant molecular biology, analytical chemistry, plant‑insect interactions, plant genetics, plant‑abiotic stress biology, plant genetics, metabolite profiling by liquid‑chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‑MS), and gene expression analysis (RNAseq) and multiomics

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 2/1/2026 11:59:00 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
    • Analytical Chemistry
    • Chemistry (General)
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 months.

Point of Contact

Sara Beth