USDA-ARS Hemp Genetics Research Fellowship

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Geneva, New York.

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-ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU), located on the Geneva, NY Campus of Cornell University, is a component of the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). The PGRU was formed in 1986 by merging the Northeast Regional Plant Introduction Station (NERPIS) and the National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Apple, Tart Cherry and Grape (NGR). The two missions of the PGRU are the preservation of germplasm of selected crop plants and the breeding and improvement of apples. Specific activities include acquisition, documentation, maintenance, characterization, breeding, enhancement and distribution of the assigned crops. PGRU maintains approximately 20,000 different accessions, representing over 300 species. Learn more about PGRU.

About the role

Participants will have the opportunity to explore genetic variation and investigate the mechanisms underlying key agronomic and disease-related traits across multiple crop species. Research will focus on hemp, onion, tomato, squash, apples, cherries, and grapes, with evaluations conducted in laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments. One project will investigate the collection and storage of hemp pollen.

Learning Objectives

• Gain hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in USDA plant germplasm collections
• Learn plant phenomics and genomics
• Develop skills in analytical chemistry techniques
• Master plant propagation and tissue culture techniques

Mentor(s)

The mentors for this opportunity are Zach Stansell (zachary.stansell@usda.gov) and Tyler Gordon (tyler.gordon@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentors.

Appointment Details

• Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2026 (flexible, depending on various factors)
• Appointment Length: Initially for one year, renewable upon recommendation and contingent on fund availability
• Level of Participation: Full-time

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must have received or be currently pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a relevant field (e.g., Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biology, Botany, Genetics, Horticulture, Microbiology, Plant Sciences) within the last 60 months
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience with plants in a lab, greenhouse, and field environments

Pay

The participant will receive a yearly stipend ranging from $41,021 to $75,202, commensurate with educational level and experience.