USDA-ARS Temperate Fruit Tree Physiology Research Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Kearneysville (WV); On-site; USD 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education seeks a participant for a USDA ARS program in Kearneysville, WV. The role focuses on plant physiology studies and field/lab assays, with hands-on experience in tissue collection and data management. Start date is January 4, 2027, with an initial appointment up to one year and potential renewal.

This ORISE opportunity emphasizes learning scientific methods, field trials, and collaboration across programs; citizenship is restricted to U.S. nationals.

Qualifications

• Candidates should be pursuing or have earned an associate's or bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills are valued.

Responsibilities

• Research: measure plant physiological traits, collect tissue, and prepare samples for indoor/outdoor experiments.
• Horticultural management: maintain plants, scout for pests and diseases in greenhouses and research blocks.
• Data management: keep meticulous records, digitize data, and perform basic analyses.

Education

Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-NEA-2026-0381

Application Deadline

12/4/2026 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 Kearneysville, West Virginia.

About ARS

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

A research opportunity is available for an enthusiastic participant interested in furthering their knowledge and hands‑on experience in studying plant physiology. You will be a part of research that investigates the responses of temperate fruit trees to stress conditions and associated mechanisms.

The Primary Focus Of The Fellowship Is To Gain Experience In Applying The Scientific Method To Field Trials And Lab Assays, Collecting Plant Samples And Data, And Maintaining Experimental Trees. Training Will Be Provided For All Specialized Research Activities. You Will Also Be Given Opportunities To Collaborate With Other Research Programs In The Unit. Anticipated Activities Include

• Research: Measuring plant physiological traits, collecting plant tissue, and processing samples for both indoor and outdoor experiments.
• Horticultural management: Maintaining plants and scouting for common pests and disease in greenhouses and research orchard blocks.
• Data Management: Meticulous record keeping of experimental data and notes; digitizing data; basic data visualization and statistical analyses.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how different environmental stress and biotic factors affect tree physiology and fruit production
• Gain hands‑on experience with common field and lab experimental procedures used in agricultural research
• Develop lab skills for tissue processing and for various physiological measurements using specialized instruments
• Learn to organize, analyze, present, and interpret research data

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Lisa Tang ([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 up to one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation

The appointment may be 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 an associate's or bachelor's degree in the one of the relevant fields.

We are seeking applicants interested in contributing to an environment that values creative and critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

Point of Contact

Janeen

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences
    • Biological Oceanography
    • Environmental Sciences
    • Environmental Studies
    • Fish and Wildlife
    • Fisheries
    • Forest Resources and Science
    • Forestry Sciences
    • Hydrologic Sciences
    • Marine Biology
    • Marine Science
    • Natural Resources
    • Oceanography
    • Soil Science
    • Wildlife Management
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )