USDA-ARS High-Throughput In Vitro Screening of Antimicrobial Compounds Against Phytoplasma in Cherry

About the role

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking a research fellow to join the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at the Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit in Wapato, Washington. The fellow will work on a collaborative research initiative focused on evaluating therapeutic interventions against Cherry X-disease (Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni).

Responsibilities

• Engage in micropropagation and plant tissue culture under sterile laboratory conditions.
• Apply therapeutic application and assay setup protocols to evaluate compound uptake and plant physiological responses.
• Perform molecular diagnostics and quantification, including DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, qPCR, and RT-qPCR.
• Analyze and interpret diagnostic dataset outputs using statistical tools and software.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams, present findings, and contribute to data synthesis for peer-reviewed publications.

Requirements

The ideal candidate is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in life health and medical sciences, with a focus on relevant fields. Preference is given to those with experience in in vitro plant tissue culture techniques, DNA extraction, qPCR, and molecular biology.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in life health and medical sciences.
• Experience in in vitro plant tissue culture techniques.
• Knowledge of DNA extraction methods.
• Experience with qPCR and real-time PCR analysis.
• Basic understanding of molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to maintain detailed lab notebooks and follow established protocols.
• Experience working in a sterile environment and adhering to safety guidelines.

Skills

• In vitro plant tissue culture techniques.
• Preparation of plant culture media and sterilization methods.
• DNA extraction from plant tissues.
• qPCR and real-time PCR analysis.
• Data management or basic laboratory information systems.

Benefits

This opportunity offers a stipend of $3,500.00 - $4,000.00 monthly.

Pay

$3,500.00 – $4,000.00 Monthly

Schedule

Full-time

Contact

For questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.PacificWest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.