USDA-ARS Experimental and Computational Agricultural Application Engineering Fellowship

Reference Code: USDA-ARS-PA-2026-0313

About the Role

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in College Station, Texas.

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 USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Aerial Application Technology Research Unit conducts research to improve the safety, efficiency, effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of agricultural application systems, including aerial and ground-based equipment used to accurately and efficiently deliver crop protection products and other agricultural inputs. Research integrates agricultural engineering, physical sciences, and computational approaches to advance the understanding of atomization, spray transport, deposition, application system performance, and the measurement and modeling technologies that support these systems.

Research Project

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to be involved in research investigating the engineering principles governing agricultural application systems. Research may include experimental and computational studies examining atomization, droplet formation, spray transport, deposition, nozzle performance, and the influence of physicochemical properties of agricultural spray formulations on application performance. Depending on the needs of the research project, research may also incorporate advanced optical diagnostics, quantitative image analysis, computational modeling, and remote sensing technologies to improve understanding, evaluation, and prediction of agricultural application system performance.

You may participate in laboratory, wind tunnel, field, and computational investigations designed to improve understanding of agricultural application systems. Activities may include:

• Collecting and analyzing experimental data
• Utilizing advanced optical diagnostic methods, high-speed imaging systems, and engineering instrumentation to characterize atomization, droplet formation, and transport processes
• Applying quantitative image analysis and scientific programming techniques
• Comparing experimental observations with computational models
• Collaborating with ARS scientists to interpret research findings and explore engineering approaches for improving agricultural application technologies

Learning Objectives

During this appointment, you will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and experience in:

• Engineering principles governing agricultural application systems
• Atomization, droplet transport, and deposition processes
• Experimental methods used to characterize agricultural application systems
• Advanced optical diagnostics, high-speed imaging, and quantitative image analysis
• Integration of experimental measurements with computational modeling and engineering analysis
• Scientific programming and quantitative analysis of engineering data
• Application of remote sensing technologies to agricultural engineering research
• Scientific communication through technical presentations and scientific publications

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Brad Fritz (brad.fritz@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Schedule

Anticipated appointment start date: October 2026 or as soon as possible. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

The appointment is full time.

Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 12 months or currently pursuing (must be received by 8/31/2027)
• Discipline(s): Engineering (Aerospace and Aeronautical, Agricultural Engineering, Biological/Biosystems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Engineering (General), Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering)

Pay

Stipend: $60,000.00 – $65,000.00 yearly