USDA-ARS Molecular Biology Fellowship

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Reference Code: USDA-ARS-NEA-2026-0397

About the role

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This postdoctoral research opportunity focuses on the development of novel detection methods for foodborne pathogenic bacteria at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, Characterization and Interventions for Foodborne Pathogens (CIFP) Research Unit in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania.

The ARS mission is to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day, delivering cutting‑edge scientific tools and innovative solutions for farmers, producers, industry, and communities while sustaining agroecosystems and ensuring economic competitiveness.

The CIFP research unit investigates safety‑related problems associated with food contamination by bacterial pathogens, including stress response, evolution/mutation, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, intervention techniques, and rapid detection & identification. This project concentrates on stress responses for specific foodborne pathogens such as Shiga toxin‑producing E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes, addressing challenges posed by complex food matrices and the need to develop virulence assays using various mammalian cell lines.

During the appointment you will assist in research and development in advanced areas such as molecular microbiology and biochemistry, applying BSL2 pathogen handling, genome sequencing, transcriptomics, bioinformatic analysis, and computational biology.

Under the guidance of your mentor, you will:

• Learn about food‑safety research focused on bacterial contamination and foodborne pathogens.
• Develop knowledge of stress‑response mechanisms in pathogens such as Shiga toxin‑producing E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes.
• Gain experience investigating pathogen evolution and mutation, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence.
• Learn how food‑matrix complexity affects the detection, characterization, and analysis of foodborne bacteria.
• Build skills in developing and conducting virulence assays using mammalian cell lines.
• Strengthen laboratory research, experimental‑design, and data‑analysis skills relevant to microbial food‑safety studies.

Mentor: Andrew Gehring (andrew.gehring@usda.gov). Direct questions about the research to the mentor.

Anticipated appointment start date: December 1, 2026 (flexible). Initial appointment length: one year, renewable upon ARS recommendation and contingent on funding availability. Participation level: full time.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in a relevant field. U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Skills

• Sterile technique
• Knowledge of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• DNA/RNA isolation
• Basic molecular techniques

Pay

Anticipated stipend: $6,857 per month, with an additional allowance of $691.68 per month for health insurance.

Benefits

Proof of health insurance is required for participation; the stipend includes a monthly allowance for health insurance, which can be obtained through ORISE. Participants are not employees of USDA, ARS, DOE, or the program administrator and therefore do not receive employment‑related benefits.

Schedule

Full time.