USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Associate

United States Department of Agriculture; Wenatchee (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA Agricultural Research Service in Wenatchee, WA, offers a one-year, full-time research opportunity to study how soil and plant-associated microbiomes influence fruit-tree production. You will work under a mentor to analyze long-term microbiome data and environmental drivers, with collaboration across government, academia, and industry.

The role emphasizes translating complex findings into practical soil-health guidance for growers, with opportunities to co-analyze data with a University of

Qualifications

• Strong background in microbiology or bioinformatics.
• Experience with time-series data analysis.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-institution teams.

Responsibilities

• Analyze multiyear microbiome time-series data to model apple rhizosphere communities.
• Assess how environmental factors influence microbial dynamics in orchard soil.
• Investigate microbial association networks and their ecological implications.
• Collaborate with ARS scientists, a University of Idaho biostatistician, and Washington Soil Health Initiative partners to translate findings for growers.

Skills

Time-series analysis

Microbiome data

Biostatistics

Team collaboration

Job description

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and applications may close before the deadline.

ARSOffice/Lab and Location:

A research opportunityis currently available withthe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS),located in Wenatchee, Washington.

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:

Youwill be mentored by the Research Microbiologist (Lead Scientist) in support of an ongoing research program focused on engineering soil and plant-associated microbiomes to directly benefit fruit tree production systems. Specifically, you will assist with research designed to evaluate how microbial taxa living in the apple root/rhizosphere interact with each other and the surrounding environment over time. Experimental field trials focused on building soil carbon, buffering environmental stress and mitigating replant disease are currently underway (washingtonsoilhealthinitiative.com/wenatcheeltare/). To date, up to 4 years of data on root/rhizosphere microbiome composition has been collected from these trials. A time-series approach will be used to model rhizobiome community assembly in apples cultivated under a variety of soil management practices. This will include investigation of associations between microbial community composition, key environmental controls (i.e., moisture and temperature), and physical/chemical soil health metrics (collected at the same site).In addition to collaboratingwith ARS scientists, the project offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with a biostatistician at the University of Idaho (Moscow campus). During the appointment, youwill also enable engagement with other scientists/extension agents which are part of the Washington Soil Health Initiative (https://washingtonsoilhealthinitiative.com/). The production of meaningful and relevant long-term data is expected to help growers/stakeholders make informed decisions related to soil health best management practices.

Learning Objectives:

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will:

• Develop skills in analyzing multiyear, time-series microbiome data to model changes in the composition of apple rhizosphere communities.
• Explore how physiochemical and environmental factors may be influencing microbial community composition/temporal dynamics in orchard soil
• Gain experience with methods designed to show which organisms interact and how (microbial association networks)
• Learn how microbial community sequence data may be used to inform soil health assessments
• Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration skills across government, academia, extension and the agricultural (tree fruit) industry.
• Gain experience translating long-term agricultural research into evidence that can support grower decisions on soil-health best management practices.

Mentor(s):

The mentor forthis opportunity is Tracey Somera ([e-mail]).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 4, 2027.

Start date is flexible and willdepend on a variety offactors.

Appointment Length:

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may berenewed uponrecommendation of ARSand 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 [e-mail] the reference code for this opportunity.