USDA-ARS Defining Maize Resistance to Economically Important Insect Pests Fellowship
Application Deadline
6/19/2026 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 Ames, Iowa.
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 goal of this research project is to advance insect pest management research that enables the safe and efficient production of maize. Corn earworm, corn rootworms, European corn borer, and fall armyworm are emerging issues of importance to maize production in the United States, and all these pests are becoming resistant to the primary tactics used for their control in commercial fields. Through this research, we aim to understand why these pests are becoming resistant to control tactics and to use this information to design integrated pest management systems that enhance the production of maize for producers. Another goal is to evaluate new control tactics, e.g. host plant resistance factors and insecticides, and integrate these tools into current pest management systems. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will have the opportunity to learn, apply, and develop their understanding around research programs such as 1) best methods to culture and utilize insect colonies for plant/insect interactions studies; 2) best methods for culturing maize in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory for plant resistance evaluations and Bt-corn insecticide resistance management studies; 3) high throughput phenotyping platforms for evaluating novel insect resistance factors in maize; 4) design and conduct dose response studies for new plant resistance factors and new chemical insecticides; 5) research to advance maize leaf injury phenotyping techniques, including measuring in planta defense phytohormones; and, 6) modern statistical analysis techniques via research collaborations with Iowa State University’s Statistics Department.
Learning Objectives: Throughout the course of this project, the participant will have the opportunity to learn advanced research techniques, improve communication skills by presenting research findings at national and international meetings, and gain awareness of current scientists from collaborations for future career opportunities.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Craig Abel (craig.abel@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, 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.Midwest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past year.
Preferred skills:
- None
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 12 month(s).