USDA-ARS Mitigating Vomitoxin Contamination in Corn Fellowship

Research Project

The Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology (MPM) Research Unit conducts research in genetics, microbiology, chemistry, and plant pathology to produce information and technologies to enhance food safety and crop production in the U.S. and around the world. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with this team of scientists specifically on research aimed at mitigating vomitoxin contamination in corn. You will be involved in evaluating how abiotic factors contribute to increased corn susceptibility, conducting field and greenhouse inoculation studies, and the identification and application of mitigation strategies.

Learning Objectives

• Describe interdisciplinary research approaches in genetics, microbiology, chemistry, and plant pathology to enhance food safety and crop production.
• Collaborate with scientists in the Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology (MPM) Research Unit on efforts to mitigate vomitoxin contamination in corn.
• Evaluate the impact of abiotic factors on corn susceptibility to mycotoxin contamination.
• Conduct field and greenhouse inoculation studies to assess disease development and toxin accumulation.
• Identify the application of mitigation strategies aimed at reducing vomitoxin levels in corn and improving crop resilience.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Martha Vaughan (martha.vaughan@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Citizenship Requirements

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

Qualifications

• The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.
• Preferred skills include general microbiology techniques, general molecular biology techniques, experience with fungal pathogens, and experience in conducting plant-pathogen disease assays.