USDA-ARS Fellowship in Molecular Genetics of Insect & Microbe Interactions
*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 Wapato, Washington.
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: The postdoctoral fellow will engage in basic and applied research on RNA interference (RNAi) in hemipteran leafhopper insects that vector phytoplasma bacteria plant pathogens. The study system involves the Colladonus leafhoppers and X-disease phytoplasma, Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni, which is currently afflicting cherry and other stone fruit. The aim is to explore and develop methods for RNA interference as an applied approach to insect pest and plant disease management while addressing fundamental questions of the biology of the X-disease pathosystem. Transcriptomic datasets will be examined to identify candidate target genes. Bioassays will be conducted with RNAi effector molecules to assess phenotypic effects of RNAi-mediated gene knockdown on insect mortality and phytoplasma life-cycle manifestation. This research addresses challenges related to plant health and sustainable agriculture.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow will design and conduct experiments in laboratory and greenhouse settings, analyze data, and contribute to collaborative projects within and across USDA-ARS Research Units and partner institutions. The fellow will have opportunities to present findings at scientific conferences and stakeholder meetings, publish results in peer-reviewed journals and engage with multidisciplinary teams to advance research towards solutions for agricultural threats.
Learning Objectives: This fellowship affords the ability to develop expertise at the interface of molecular genetics, bioinformatics, and insect/microbe ecology while contributing to technological innovations that protect global food security. Under the guidance of a mentor, the postdoctoral fellow will learn about and gain experience in:
- Study and analysis of transcriptomic datasets
- Design, conduct, and analysis of insect bioassay greenhouse experiments
- Molecular aspects of RNA interference
- Biology and behavior of insect vectors of plant pathogens
- Molecular diagnosis of insect-vectored and phloem-limited plant pathogens, including Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni
- Collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary research team
- Preparing and submitting manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals
- Preparing and presenting presentations at scientific and stakeholder meetings
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is William Walker (william.walker@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: April 1, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will be for two years.
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 $7,000 - $8,000 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.
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.HQPostdoc@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in entomology, plant biology, molecular biology, or related field. Degree must have been received within the past four years or is anticipated to be received by August 31, 2026.
Preferred skills
- Foundational background in insect-pathogen interactions
- Familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques
Stipend
$7,000.00 – $8,000.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Doctoral Degree.