USDA-ARS Research Fellowship in Vector Entomology

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) invites applications for a research opportunity in Salinas, California. The ARS unit focuses on biology and management of insect vectors and viruses of vegetables, with a goal to advance sustainable pest and disease management strategies.

Start January 2027 for two years, full-time, with a stipend of $93,000–$96,000 annually and health insurance provided through ORISE. U.S. citizenship required and doctoral-level credentials preferred.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (or currently pursuing) in Life Health and Medical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Botany, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ecology, Entomology, Epidemiology, Plant Sciences, Virology.

Responsibilities

• Propagate and maintain diverse plant species
• Conduct greenhouse inoculation experiments
• Evaluate symptom development and collect plant tissue samples
• Apply serological and molecular diagnostics to detect and quantify virus infection
• Investigate relationships among plant characteristics, virus infection, and western flower thrips ecology

Skills

Vector entomology

Plant pathology

Disease ecology

Epidemiology

Integrated pest mgmt

Insect rearing

Bioassays

Serological

Molecular diagnostics

R (stats)

Scientific writing

Education

Doctoral degree (or pursuing)

Tools

R

Job description

How To Apply

Scroll to the bottom of the opportunity and click APPLY.

A complete application consists of:

• An application form
• Unofficial transcript or copy of academic records printed by the applicant or academic advisors from internal institution systems (click here for acceptable transcripts)
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-HQPD-2026-0283

Application Deadline

9/25/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Assignment & Project

The research opportunity is located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Crop Improvement and Protection Research Unit, Salinas, California. The focus is on the biology and management of insect vectors and viruses of vegetables.

Project objective: understand ecological interactions among insect vectors, plant hosts, and plant pathogens that influence disease risk in vegetable crops in the Salinas Valley. Outcomes will support sustainable pest and disease management strategies.

Research Activities

• Propagate and maintain diverse plant species
• Conduct greenhouse inoculation experiments
• Evaluate symptom development and collect plant tissue samples
• Apply serological and molecular diagnostics to detect and quantify virus infection
• Investigate relationships among plant characteristics, virus infection, and western flower thrips ecology

Learning Objectives

• Design and conduct greenhouse experiments on insect vector–host–pathogen interactions
• Develop knowledge of western flower thrips biology, ecology, and disease management
• Investigate ecological factors influencing disease risk in native plants and cover crops
• Build technical skills in serological and molecular diagnostics for plant pathogens
• Explore host plant–vector–pathogen dynamics
• Perform vector-mediated transmission studies
• Communicate science through manuscripts and presentations
• Contribute to sustainable pest and disease management research

Mentor

Daniel Hasegawa ([e-mail])

Appointment Details

Start Date: January 2027 (flexible)
Length: 2 years
Level: Full time

Stipend

Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level; annual range: $93,000 – $96,000.00
Proof of health insurance required (obtained through ORISE).

Citizenship Requirements

U.S. citizenship required.

Qualifications

Doctoral degree (or currently pursuing) in one of the following fields, received within the past four years:

• Life Health and Medical Sciences
• Agricultural Sciences, Botany, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ecology, Entomology, Epidemiology, Plant Sciences, Virology

Preferred Skills

• Research experience in vector entomology, plant pathology, disease ecology, epidemiology, integrated pest management
• Design, conduct, and analyze greenhouse, laboratory, or field experiments
• Experience with insect vectors, plant viruses, plant–insect interactions
• Insect rearing and bioassays for vector transmission studies
• Serological, molecular, or diagnostic techniques in plant pathology or entomology
• Statistical analysis using R
• Preparation of scientific figures, reports, manuscripts, and presentations
• Effective written and oral communication
• Independent and collaborative research in multidisciplinary teams

Eligibility Requirements

US Citizen only; Doctoral degree within last 48 months or currently pursuing.