USDA-ARS Grass Molecular Biology Fellow
About the role
The participant will gain experience in cool-season grass genetics and molecular biology projects focused on research topics such as seed yield, abiotic and biotic stress response, and herbicide resistance. The participant will collect data in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments. The participant will have the opportunity to analyze data and perform statistical comparisons.
Responsibilities
- Collect data in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments.
- Analyze data and perform statistical comparisons.
- Gain experience in grass tissue culture, transformation, and gene editing.
- Perform DNA and RNA extractions.
- Conduct PCR and qPCR.
- Carry out metabolite analysis.
- Perform plant phenotyping.
Requirements
The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Preferred skills:
- Interest in plant genetics and molecular biology.
- Experience in biology laboratory research.
- Experience caring for plants in the greenhouse, growth chambers, or fields.
Qualifications
The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $4,000 - $5,000 monthly.
Skills
Training will include grass tissue culture, transformation, and gene editing; DNA and RNA extractions; PCR and qPCR; metabolite analysis; and plant phenotyping.
Benefits
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.
Pay
The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $4,000 - $5,000 monthly.
Schedule
The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Mentor(s)
The mentor for this opportunity is Joseph Gallagher (joseph.gallagher@usda.gov).