USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA Agricultural Research Service in Peoria, Illinois seeks a doctoral candidate for a full-time research opportunity focused on discovering plant-based compounds to control Varroa mites and honeybee pathogens. The project blends laboratory experiments with outdoor fieldwork to study treatments under real conditions.

Responsibilities include designing field and lab experiments, sampling pests, isolating plant compounds, and analyzing complex biological data.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in Life Health and Medical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Ecology, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct field and laboratory experiments.
• Monitor honey bee colonies and sample pests.
• Isolate and identify plant compounds with bioactivity.
• Perform molecular biology assays (e.g., PCR, RT-qPCR).
• Analyze complex biological datasets.
• Conduct large-scale field tests of candidate treatments under real weather conditions.
• Assess effects of treatments on honey bee immunity, colony function and behavior.

Skills

Honey bee handling

Experiment design

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Education

Doctoral degree in Life Health/Medical Sciences or related field

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-MWA-2026-0235

Application Deadline

10/30/2026 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), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research located in Peoria, Illinois.

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.

The National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) is among the largest agricultural research centers in the United States. The center has an interdisciplinary team of scientists dedicated to research on improving agricultural production, food safety and public health, economic development, and environmental quality.

Research Project

This research project focuses on the discovery and development of novel tools and strategies for controlling honeybee pests and pathogens. This unique opportunity mixes advanced laboratory experiments with outdoor field research to discover and develop plant‑based compounds for controlling Varroa mites and their vectored pathogens. Key activities include monitoring of experimental honeybee colonies, sampling Varroa mites from live honeybee colonies, conducting bioassays to identify plant extracts/compounds that kill Varroa mites and/or their vectored pathogens without harming the bees, large‑scale field experiments to test candidate treatments under real weather conditions, evaluations of how candidate treatments affect honeybee immunity, colony functions, and behavior.

Learning Objectives

• Design and conduct field and laboratory experiments.
• Sample and identify honey bee pests and pathogens.
• Isolate and purify plant compounds.
• Detail molecular characterization of honey bee health.
• Analyze complex biological datasets.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Ephantus Muturi ([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 stipend is $74,678 annually.

Stipend

$74,678.00 Yearly

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 and interest in handling honey bees.
• Experience and interest in designing and conducting experiments under controlled (laboratory and greenhouse) and field conditions.
• Hands‑on experience in isolation and identification of bioactive compounds from plants, and/or molecular biology skills such as PCR, RT‑qPCR, RNAi, and sequencing.
• Basic data analysis skills.

Point of Contact

Michele

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Agriculture
  • Ag...
  • Biology (General)
  • Ecology
  • Ecosystem Ecology
  • Entomology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Toxicology
  • Zoology (General)

Application Components

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations

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