USDA-ARS Forage Legume Breeder

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 delivers 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.

This opportunity is located in Madison, Wisconsin. The research project provides hands-on experience in forage legume breeding. You will collaborate within a national plant breeding network and conduct breeding data analysis using phenotypic and genotypic data. You will participate in breeding cover crops such as hairy vetch, crimson clover, and Austrian winter pea.

Learning Objectives

• Describe aspects of forage breeding including phenotypic and genotypic evaluation of plants
• Plant pollination and seed production
• Research plot establishment and evaluation
• Greenhouse activities associated with plant breeding

Mentor

Heathcliffe Riday (heathcliffe.riday@usda.gov). Contact the mentor with questions about the nature of the research.

Appointment Details

• Anticipated Start Date: December 2026 (flexible)
• Appointment Length: Initially one year; may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and contingent on availability of funds
• Level of Participation: Full time
• Citizenship Requirements: U.S. citizens only

Program Information

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), 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; health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Skills

• Foundational education and/or skills in plant breeding, small plot agricultural research, and/or farming
• Capacity to analyze data and handle and manipulate large data sets with proficiency in Python, R, and/or SAS
• Capacity to operate, handle, and transport small scale agricultural equipment such as tractors and harvesters
• Basic knowledge of agricultural land management such as tillage, pest and weed management, and/or equipment troubleshooting
• Skills in practical remote sensing such as drone operations, image acquisition and processing, equipment fabrication and testing, and/or data analysis and summarization
• Skills in DNA marker assisted breeding such as GWAS, GBLUP, and/or DNA data processing and analysis

Stipend

$4,000.00 – $6,250.00 monthly

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree
• Discipline(s): Life Health and Medical Sciences (including Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture, Agronomy and Crop Science, Genetics including Genome Sciences, Plant Sciences)