USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Barley and Oat Pathology

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Aberdeen (ID); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is offering a fellowship opportunity in Aberdeen, Idaho, through USDA-ARS. You will participate in barley and oat improvement research combining traditional breeding with molecular genomics, under mentorship.

The role is full-time with a one-year appointment, starting January 2027, with possible renewal. The program emphasizes hands-on experience in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings, data analysis, and manuscript preparation for

Qualifications

• Experience in plant disease research, preferably cereals.
• Demonstrated skills in molecular marker development, gene mapping, and sequence analysis.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with relevant bioinformatics tools.
• Proven ability to write scientific manuscripts.
• Ability to research both independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Assist in experimental design, implementation, data collection and analysis.
• Contribute to barley and oat improvement studies using traditional breeding and genomics approaches.
• Prepare manuscripts and reports for internal and external audiences.

Skills

Plant disease research

Molecular marker development

Gene mapping

Sequence analysis

Manuscript writing

Independent research

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-PWA-2026-0391

Application Deadline

1/1/2027 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office / Laboratory and Location

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Aberdeen, Idaho.

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 join a barley and oat improvement project aimed at enhancing crop productivity, quality, and resistance to major diseases. The research activities will integrate traditional breeding with molecular and genomics-based approaches. Researching in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings, you will help with experimental design, implementation, data collection, and data analysis. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will be given the opportunity to participate in studies focused on barley bacterial leaf streak, Fusarium head blight (FHB) and/or oat stem and crown rust disease research. Research activities may include conducting gene mapping and molecular marker development for disease-resistance traits; performing genome, gene, and transcript-level sequence analyses and gene expression studies; investigating disease-resistance mechanisms using molecular, physiological, and genetic tools; analyzing and summarizing research data for internal and external reporting; and assisting in the preparation of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how traditional breeding and molecular/genomics-based approaches are integrated to improve barley and oat productivity, quality, and disease resistance.
• Gain experience conducting research in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings, including experimental design, implementation, data collection, and analysis.
• Develop knowledge of major cereal diseases, including barley bacterial leaf streak, Fusarium head blight, and oat stem and crown rust.
• Build skills in gene mapping and molecular-marker development for disease-resistance traits.
• Gain experience with genome-, gene-, and transcript-level sequence analysis, including gene-expression studies.
• Learn to investigate plant disease-resistance mechanisms using molecular, physiological, and genetic approaches.
• Develop skills in analyzing, summarizing, and communicating research findings through internal reports, external presentations, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

January 4, 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.

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 doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with plant disease research, preferably in cereals.
• Demonstrated skills in molecular marker development, gene mapping, and sequence analysis.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with relevant bioinformatics tools.
• Proven ability to write scientific manuscripts.
• Ability to research both independently and collaboratively.

Stipend

$74,678.00 - $79,658.00 Yearly

Point of Contact

Janeen

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (Forestry Sciences)
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (9)

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.