USDA-ARS Research Fellowship in Entomology

*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 Gainesville, Florida.

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 selected participant will help conduct studies to advance the knowledge on integrated pest management (IPM) of invasive ants. IPM includes understanding the behavior and biology of the pest as well as its role in the ecosystem which it inhabits, to develop environmentally compatible control measures and strategies. For example, the project will examine the seasonal phenology and foraging patterns of invasive ant populations (e.g., tawny crazy ants, imported fire ants) to determine strategies that effectively utilize controls, such as ant baits and other measures. Studies will also assess non-target effects of these control measures.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of the mentor and collaborating with technical staff, the participant will learn experimental design and the logistical considerations needed to efficiently conduct laboratory and field experiments with ants. This includes gaining experience with various ant sampling techniques, data entry, and statistical data analysis and interpretation. The participant will conduct both basic and applied research that will develop expertise in insect/ant identification, insect rearing, behavior, and control technologies. The participant will have the opportunity to communicate research by preparing a presentation on research they conducted for a scientific meeting, and if possible, give the presentation.

While hands-on experience in techniques and approaches used in entomological research will be gained, the general scientific methodologies learned will provide a foundation of research skills and aptitude applicable to a career in science.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is David Oi (david.oi@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March 1, 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 7 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 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.Southeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a bachelor's or a master's degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must be anticipated to be received by June 2024.

Preferred skills:

• Skills or experience with manipulating or handling live insects, especially stinging or biting insects.
• Aptitude/ability to conduct tedious, detailed, and repetitive observations and record observations as written notes and/or data.
• Experience or interest in working outdoors and documenting observations of insect or animal behavior.
• Knowledge of and experience with basic laboratory techniques and equipment used in biological or physical sciences.
• Comfortable conducting analyses in SAS or R statistics programs.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree.
• Academic Level(s): Graduate Students, Post-Bachelor's, or Undergraduate Students.