USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship to Study Maize Genetic Resources

About the Role

A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plant Introduction Research Unit (PIRU), located in Ames, Iowa. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in research aimed at improving seed regeneration methodology, phenotypic, and genotypic characterization of the USDA maize germplasm collection. Systematic and thorough genotypic and phenotypic characterization would improve collection utility and aid in facilitating the research needs of seed requestors.

Research Activities

• Collaborate with Iowa State University maize breeders and geneticists, PIRU unit members, and established USDA ARS/academic/industry collaborators
• Participate in regeneration of the maize collection in the field and greenhouse in Ames, Iowa, and other off-site nurseries as needed
• Coordinate genotyping activities with the genotyping service institution, including data receipt and initial quality assessment
• Receive sequence/genotype data and conduct analyses to survey variation, calculate relationships, and perform other relevant analyses of genebank accessions
• Interact with collaborators to upload genotypic and phenotypic data directly into the GRIN-Global database or link all data via an external public platform for access

Learning Objectives

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to learn to:

• Conduct research efforts to measure, analyze, and use the genetic diversity in the USDA National Plant Germplasm System maize collection
• Discuss all genetic resource management activities
• Describe regeneration and phenotyping approaches in greenhouse and field experiments
• Describe approaches used for marker traits associations in crop plants
• Demonstrate communication (writing, presenting, etc.), collaboration, and conduct scientific research

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 12/30/2026.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with agricultural plant sciences, plant genetic resources, row-crop agriculture, plant genetics, plant breeding, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and data management
• Ability to curate, catalog, and store large amounts of data and samples, such as seeds, plants or DNA
• Experience caring for plants in the field, greenhouse, and growth chamber
• Comfortable with communication through phone, email, and in person

Pay

$6,273.67 Monthly

Schedule

The appointment is full time.

Appointment Details

• Anticipated Start Date: November 2026 (flexible)
• Appointment Length: Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds
• Citizenship: U.S. citizens only
• Degree Discipline: Life Health and Medical Sciences (Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy and Crop Science, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biology, Genetics, Plant Sciences, and related fields)

Mentor: Adam Mahan (adam.mahan@usda.gov)

Application Deadline: 10/23/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time

Reference Code: USDA-ARS-MWA-2026-0352