USDA-ARS Sugarcane Phenotyping - High School Research Internship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Houma (LA); On-site; USD 34,529 - 41,358; Full time

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education has a research opportunity focused on the assessment of cane yield quality traits at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Houma, Louisiana. This position provides hands-on laboratory experience and involves evaluating energycane varieties for yield traits adaptation.

The selected participant will receive a monthly stipend of $3,400. Ideal candidates are U.S. citizens currently pursuing a high school diploma, eager to learn, and ready to collaborate effectively.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a high school diploma.
• Eager to learn applied plant phenotyping in the field, laboratory, and greenhouse.
• Ability to collaborate well with others.

Responsibilities

• Participate in field and laboratory research to assess cane yield.
• Collect and analyze field data for yield and quality traits.
• Operate standard laboratory equipment for conducting experiments.

Skills

Eager to learn applied plant phenotyping

Positive attitude

Collaboration

Education

Currently pursuing a High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Spectrophotometers

pH meters

Centrifuges

HPLC

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-SEA-2026-0275

Job Overview

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Houma, Louisiana. The position focuses on field and laboratory research to assess cane yield and quality traits under the "Feedstock Production" theme of the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI).

Location

Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Houma, Louisiana.

Research Project

The intern will participate in field and laboratory work to evaluate high‑yielding energycane varieties adapted to the southeastern United States. Activities include collecting field data, measuring yield and quality traits such as cold tolerance, recoverable sucrose, biomass yield, and disease resistance, and preparing laboratory analyses.

Learning Objectives

• Develop hands‑on laboratory experience with techniques such as filtration, pipetting, preparation of solutions, and recording data.
• Operate standard laboratory equipment, including spectrophotometers, pH meters, centrifuges, and HPLC.
• Collect and analyze field data to assess yield and traits for adaptation to local growing conditions.

Mentor

Anna Hale ([e-mail])

Appointment

• Anticipated start date: 2026 (flexible)
• Initial appointment length: one year, with potential renewal based on funding and recommendation.
• Level of participation: full‑time during the summer months.

Stipend

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Annual stipend: $3,400.00.

Citizenship Requirements

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

Health Insurance

Proof of health insurance is required for participation. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a high school diploma.

Preferred Skills

• Eager to learn applied plant phenotyping in the field, laboratory, and greenhouse.
• Positive attitude and ability to collaborate well with others.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a High School Diploma/GED.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
    • Bio‑organic Chemistry
    • Chemistry (General)
    • Environmental Chemistry
    • Inorganic Chemistry
    • Materials Sciences
    • Organic Chemistry
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences

Point of Contact

Sara Beth