USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Salmonella in Poultry

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), invites applications for a one-year, full-time research opportunity in Athens, Georgia. Under a mentor, you will investigate the persistence and ecological dynamics of Salmonella in pasture-based poultry production, combining phenotypic characterization, whole-genome sequencing, and transcriptomic profiling.

Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship and a doctoral degree earned within the last five years.

Qualifications

• The qualified candidate should have, or be currently pursuing, a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.
• Degree must have been received within the past 5 years.

Skills

BSL-2 laboratory experience

Salmonella microbiology

Molecular characterization and genetic

Whole-genome sequencing

Transcriptomics

Data analysis

Data visualization

Education

Doctoral degree in Life Health and Medical Sciences

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-SEA-2026-0317

Application Deadline

10/9/2026 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), located in Athens, Georgia. 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

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will investigate the persistence and ecological dynamics of Salmonella within pasture-based poultry production systems by integrating phenotypic characterization, whole-genome sequencing, and transcriptomic profiling. By advancing the understanding of Salmonella survival, adaptation, persistence, and transmission in these systems, you will engage in the development of science-based strategies aimed at reducing Salmonella contamination during pre-harvest stages and enhancing overall food safety.

Learning Objectives

• Develop an understanding of the ecological dynamics and environmental persistence of Salmonella in pasture-based poultry production systems.
• Learn to apply whole-genome sequencing and transcriptomic profiling approaches to investigate Salmonella survival and adaptation in poultry.
• Acquire skills in analyzing and interpreting phentotypic, molecular, and genomic data to identify factors influencing Salmonella persistence in poultry.
• Understand the relationships between poultry production practices, environmental conditions, and foodborne pathogen contamination risks.
• Develop an understanding of science-based, pre-harvest intervention strategies to reduce Salmonella contamination and improve food safety.
• Strengthen skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication, and interdisciplinary research.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

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 monthly stipend will be $6,500.00.

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, or be currently pursuing, a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past 5 years.

Preferred Skills

• BSL-2 laboratory experience
• Salmonella microbiology (culture, isolation, characterization)
• Molecular characterization and genetic typing
• Whole-genome sequencing
• Transcriptomics
• Data analysis
• Data visualization

Point of Contact

Sara Beth

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Animal Sciences
  • Food Sciences and Technology
  • Microbiology