*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 Beltsville, Maryland.
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: This summer project will focus on helping to establish and optimize transgenic and gene editing platforms for woody ornamental plants or focus on curation and propagation of woody plant germplasms. The intern will 1) Assist with transient assays for gene editing optimization; Assist with genetic transformation of selected ornamental woody plants; Assist with PCR and amplicon purification of targeted genetic regions. Or 2) Assist with evaluation, propagation, phenotyping and production of various woody ornamental plants.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this training opportunity, the participant will either gain experience in laboratory experimental procedures or gain experience in field and greenhouse experimental procedures. The participant will also learn about the research process and will build networks with experienced research professionals.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Hui Duan (hui.duan@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 17, 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 3 months, 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, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.
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.Northeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a high school diploma/GED with proof of acceptance/enrollment in a STEM degree program, or have received an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in one of the relevant fields.
Eligibility Requirements
- Degree: High School Diploma/GED, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree.