USDA-ARS Biological Laboratory Internship

Reference Code: USDA-ARS-SEA-2026-0384

About the role

This educational opportunity will enable you to research best practices for protecting pollinators from the harmful effects of insecticides used to control florivores. Activities may include participating in field and laboratory observations, collecting and processing flower and bee samples, analyzing chemical residues, processing data, documenting findings, and collaborating with researchers to evaluate pollinator-protection strategies. You will gain experience in advanced analytical chemistry techniques like liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Responsibilities

• Participate in field and laboratory observations of flower–bee interactions and pollinator activity.
• Collect, handle, and process flower and bee samples for research analyses.
• Analyze chemical residues to assess insecticide exposure risks to pollinators.
• Process research data and document experimental findings.
• Collaborate with researchers to evaluate and refine pollinator-protection strategies.
• Gain hands‑on experience with advanced analytical chemistry methods, including liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‑MS).

Learning objectives

• Learn best practices for protecting pollinators from unintended insecticide exposure during florivore management.
• Gain experience conducting field and laboratory observations of flower–bee interactions and pollinator activity.
• Develop skills in collecting, handling, and processing flower and bee samples for research analyses.
• Learn how chemical residues are measured and interpreted to assess insecticide exposure risks to pollinators.
• Gain hands‑on experience with advanced analytical chemistry methods, including liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‑MS).
• Build data‑management and analysis skills by processing research data and documenting experimental findings.
• Develop collaborative research skills with scientists to evaluate and refine pollinator‑protection strategies.

Mentor

Caitlin Rering (caitlin.rering@usda.gov)

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Degree must have been received within the past two years, or anticipated to be received by 2/28/2027.
• Discipline(s): Chemistry and Materials Sciences.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen only.

Preferred skills

• Interest in pollinator ecology, entomology, florivores, or pesticide research.
• Familiarity with common pollinators and the ability to learn species‑identification techniques.
• Interest in researching insecticide effects and pollinator‑protection strategies.
• Ability to carefully observe, collect, record, and analyze field or laboratory data.
• Basic understanding of scientific methods, experimental design, and data quality.
• Comfort using spreadsheets or other tools for organizing and visualizing information.
• Strong attention to detail when documenting observations and following research protocols.
• Ability to communicate findings clearly in written, visual, and verbal formats.
• Willingness to participate in field and laboratory activities, including outdoor sampling.
• Ability to collaborate respectfully with researchers and other participants.
• Commitment to safe, ethical, and environmentally responsible research practices.
• Adaptability, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning new techniques and concepts.

Pay

Stipend: $1,590.00 – $1,697.00 monthly.

Schedule

• Anticipated appointment start date: October/November 2026 (start date flexible).
• Appointment length: initially one year, renewable upon recommendation of ARS and contingent on funding.
• Level of participation: part‑time.

Additional information

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). Participants are not employees of USDA, ARS, DOE, or the program administrator and receive no employment‑related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation; health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.