USDA-ARS Biting Fly Biology Fellowship

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This opportunity is located at the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility (NBAF), Insectary/Cell Culture Laboratory (ICCL) at the Center for Grain and Animal Health (CGAHR), and Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, KS.

About the role

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.

The Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Unit (FABADRU) uses multifaceted and interdisciplinary techniques to understand the interactions of viruses, vectors, hosts, and the environment on the transmission of viruses affecting livestock. The specific mission is to identify and manage exotic arthropod-borne diseases that have the potential to cross international boundaries and present a risk to U.S. livestock.

You will contribute to research in vector biology and ecology related to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), and other potential arthropod-borne diseases. This fellowship requires in-person participation in Manhattan, Kansas.

Responsibilities

• Participate in entomological laboratory research
• Gain experience in sorting and identifying insects of medical and veterinary importance
• Gain experience with experiment design, data collection, and analyses
• Learn to rear mosquitoes, house flies, and biting midges
• Learn about establishment of new insect colonies

Requirements

• Received a bachelor’s or master's degree in entomology or a related discipline of biological sciences, or be currently pursuing with degree anticipated to be received by December 31, 2026
• U.S. citizenship

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Previous experience in team and collaborative scientific environments
• Previous experience with insect vectors of animal pathogens (field and/or laboratory experience)

Pay

The participant will receive a monthly stipend ranging from $49,000 to $54,000 yearly, commensurate with educational level and experience.

Schedule

• Full-time
• Initial appointment is for one year, renewable upon recommendation and availability of funds
• Anticipated start date: November 2026 (flexible)

Mentors: Dustin Swanson (dustin.swanson@usda.gov) and Chad Mire (chad.mire@usda.gov). For questions about the research, contact the mentors.

This program is 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 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.