USDA-ARS Chemical Analysis of Fungal Metabolites Used to Detect and Mitigate Mycotoxins in Food and Feed

Research Project

The participant will experience ongoing research pertaining to safeguarding essential U.S. agricultural commodities (e.g. corn) from aflatoxin contamination using a multidisciplinary approach. This project proposes a novel approach using GC-MS to assess various fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for use in detection and mitigation strategies. Additionally, the participant will use LC-MS to identify soluble fungal metabolites and quantify various mycotoxins produced by these fungi.

There will be opportunities to interact and collaborate with a diverse group of scientists within the Southern Regional Research Center, as well as externally with university and other USDA-ARS scientists. The ORISE participant will interact closely with their mentors to document and share quality research results through open-access, peer-reviewed journals, as well as update stakeholders on key findings.

Learning Objectives

• Conduct in vitro and in planta experiments that help to advance early detection and mitigation strategies relating to aflatoxin producing fungi
• Care and maintain GC-MS and LC-MS instruments
• Develop and care of laboratory/greenhouse/field experiments
• Extract fungal metabolites from various matrices
• Conduct metabolite analyses
• Collect, analyze and quantify metabolites produced during fungal growth, as well as during fungus-fungus and fungus-plant interactions
• Present research progress to collaborators
• Prepare publishable research in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Mentor(s)

• Dr. Geromy G. Moore (geromy.moore@usda.gov)
• Dr. Matthew D. Lebar (matthew.lebar@usda.gov)

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

2026 or 2027. 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. The anticipated stipend range is $74,678 annually.

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.

Candidate Requirements

• Have received a doctoral degree from within the broad fields of Chemistry and Materials Science (any of the 12 subdisciplines) or Life Health and Medical Science (any of the selected subdisciplines).
• Experience with chemical and analysis skills, particularly gas chromatography- and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
• Experience with various chemical extraction techniques and sample preparation for chemical analysis.
• Experience with microbiology techniques, particularly culturing fungi.
• Experience with metabolomic analyses.
• Familiarity with metabolite biosynthesis and molecular biology techniques.