USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship on Genetic and Metabolic Resistance to Sweetcorn and Maize Pests and Pathogens

Research Project

The postdoc will identify genes and metabolites associated with resistance against pathogens or insect pests of sweetcorn and maize. They will plan and conduct experiments, evaluate and interpret data, and disseminate research findings in peer-reviewed journals. This project is about developing new ways to control agricultural pests and diseases that will help increase profitability of farmers by reducing crop loss and input costs.

Learning Objectives

• Identify genes and metabolites associated with resistance to pathogens and insect pests in sweetcorn and maize.
• Design and conduct experiments investigating plant defense mechanisms.
• Analyze, evaluate, and interpret biological, molecular, and chemical data related to plant–insect and plant–pathogen interactions.
• Measure plant metabolites using gas or liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS or LC-MS).
• Identify and characterize gene-edited loss-of-function mutants in maize.
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Anna Block (anna.block@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

September 1, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation

The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $4,500 - $5,100 monthly.

Citizenship Requirements

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

ORISE Information

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. 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.

Questions

Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Southeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualification Requirements

• The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields.
• Degree must have been received within the past four years or anticipated to be received by 9/14/2026.
• Preferred skills:
• Experience with plant molecular biology, analytical chemistry, plant-insect interactions, plant genetics, plant-abiotic stress biology, metabolite profiling by liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and gene expression analysis (RNAseq) and multiomics