USDA-ARS Sugar Beet Genetic Improvement Post-Bachelor Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Kimberly (ID); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, on behalf of USDA-ARS, invites applications for a 1-year research opportunity in Kimberly, Idaho, focused on sugar beet genetics, disease resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance, with mentorship in plant genetics, breeding, and pathology. The appointment is full-time and starts January 4, 2027 (flexible). Monthly stipend is $3,500–$4,200, commensurate with education and experience.

U.S. citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated by 12/31/2026.
• Discipline areas include Life Health and Medical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Health, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Engage in genetic, molecular, and phenotypic evaluation of diverse plant genotypes.
• Participate in experimental design, greenhouse and field trials, and data collection.
• Analyze and summarize data; attend mentor and team meetings/workshops.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Note-taking

Punctuality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Health and Medical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Health, Genetics, Horticulture, or Plant Sciences

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-PWA-2026-0328

Application Deadline

10/23/2026 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 Kimberly, Idaho.

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 Sugar Beet Genetic Improvement project at the Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Unit (NWISRL) is an ARS research group whose mission is to decipher molecular mechanisms for genetic variations in agronomically important traits to improve sugar beet production and disease resistance. Scientists in this project work through various methodologies to find and understand sources of genetic resistance to diverse sugar beet diseases and other abiotic stresses. Additionally, they explore pathogen‑host interactions with an aim to improve interventions for disease control, and build scientific understanding of sugar beet.

Research Project

The sugar beet research program at the NWISRL develops genetic resources to help improve resistance to disease and abiotic stress. The research project in which you will participate focuses on the evaluation of diverse germplasm, with special interest in responses to the beet curly top virus (BCTV), rhizomania disease, as well as early seedling freezing tolerance. While engaged in this educational research opportunity, you will also participate in the propagation and multiplication of beet leaf hopper populations, the pest which carries BCTV, necessary for performing greenhouse and field evaluations of host resistance. This mentorship opportunity offers research training in plant genetics, breeding, and pathology, as well as benchtop molecular techniques, and statistical analysis of collected data.

Learning Objectives

• Develop technical skills revolving around the phenotypic, genetic, and molecular evaluation of diverse plant genotypes.
• Learn methods of experimental design, greenhouse and field trials, trait assessment, and data collection, through engagement with research scientists and technicians.
• Learn how to analyze and summarize data.

Attendance of mentor‑approved meetings and workshops will be encouraged.

Mentor(s)

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

January 4, 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.

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 be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past 5 years, or anticipated to be received by December 31, 2026.

Preferred Skills

• It is highly preferred that the fellowship participant excel in regard to communication and organizational skills which include:
• Electronic or manual note‑taking
• Cordial and timely communication with mentor and other colleagues
• Punctuality and reliability
• Self driven improvement and enthusiasm for scientific experiences
• Specific skills concerning laboratory or greenhouse methodologies are helpful, but a strong desire to learn and a good attitude are much more valuable.

Stipend

$3,500.00 – $4,200.00 Monthly

Point of Contact

Janeen

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026 12:00:00 AM.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s):
• Life Health and Medical Sciences
• Agricultural Sciences
• Environmental Health
• Genetics, including Genome Sciences
• Horticulture
• Plant Sciences