USDA-ARS Research Opportunity in Cacao Mild Mosaic Virus Transmission, Vector Biology, and Host Response

Oak Ridge Associated Universities; Mayagüez (PR); Vor Ort; USD 25.000 - 30.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Health insurance stipend

Zusammenfassung

Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through ORISE is offering a research opportunity with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. You will work under a mentor on CaMMV distribution and vector dynamics, gaining hands-on training in molecular biology.

The appointment starts January 2027 and lasts one year, with a monthly stipend of $2,500 and a health insurance stipend. Citizenship is restricted to U.S. citizens.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor's or Master's in Life Health and Medical Sciences fields

Aufgaben

• Gain hands-on research experience in plant pathology, entomology, and molecular biology.
• Perform DNA extractions, PCR amplification, and sequence analysis.
• Identify mealybugs, aphids, and thrips using taxonomic keys and molecular techniques.

Kenntnisse

Independence and critical thinking

Ausbildung

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Jobbeschreibung

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-SEA-2026-0424

Application Deadline

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

Description

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

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 Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

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

• Assessing the distribution of Cacao Mild Mosaic Virus (CaMMV) and its mealybug vectors across cacao-producing regions in Puerto Rico.
• Evaluate the transmission dynamics of aphids and thrips and investigate their associations with CaMMV.

Learning Objectives

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will receive hands-on research experience in plant pathology, entomology, and molecular biology. Training will include identification of mealybugs, aphids, and thrips using both taxonomic keys and molecular techniques; evaluation of CaMMV incidence in commercial cacao farms; and application of molecular methods to study virus–vector–host interactions. You will gain experience in DNA extractions, PCR amplification, and sequence analysis for both insect vectors and CaMMV as well as the use of laboratory equipment such as autoclave, sterilizers, centrifuges, and homogenizers.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

January 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.

Participant Stipend

• The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $2,500 per month. A health insurance stipend supplement will be provided.
• $2,500.00 Monthly

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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years or anticipated to be received by 7/30/2027.

Preferred Skills

• Independence and critical thinking skills.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 7/30/2027 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (
    • Agricultural Sciences
    • Agriculture
    • Agamony and Crop Science
    • Biology (General)
    • Entomology
    • Horticulture
    • Microbiology
    • Plant Sciences
    • Virology