USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Weed Biology/Physiology

About the role

The USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Weed Biology/Physiology offers hands-on research experience in herbicide resistance across multiple weed species. The participant will learn to operate specialized equipment, collect and analyze data, and develop strong competencies in plant sample processing and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on research experience in herbicide resistance across multiple weed species
• Learn to operate specialized equipment such as an herbicide track sprayer, leaf area meter, root scanner, and LI-COR photosynthesis systems
• Develop strong competencies in collecting, processing, and analyzing plant samples to characterize herbicide resistance mechanisms
• Build robust data analysis skills and enhance scientific writing and publishing abilities

Requirements

This opportunity is available to U.S. Citizens only. The participant should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in relevant fields (e.g., Agricultural Sciences, Botany, etc.) with a degree received within the last five years, or anticipated to be received by August 15, 2026.

• Experience in greenhouse, field, and growth chamber research
• Knowledge of crop production systems of major crops/weeds
• Strong background in weed biology, herbicide resistance research, and field/greenhouse/growth chamber experimentation
• Experience with physiological measurement tools and spray chambers (e.g., LI-COR gas exchange systems, chlorophyll fluorometers, research track sprayers)

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have:

• Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 8/15/2026
• Degree in Life Health and Medical Sciences
• Veteran status preference, degree received within the last 120 months

Skills

Preferred skills include:

• Experience in greenhouse, field, and growth chamber research
• Knowledge of crop production systems of major crops/weeds
• Strong background in weed biology, herbicide resistance research, and field/greenhouse/growth chamber experimentation
• Experience with physiological measurement tools and spray chambers (e.g., LI-COR gas exchange systems, chlorophyll fluorometers, research track sprayers)

Benefits

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $65,000 annually.

Pay

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $65,000 annually.

Schedule

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

Contact

If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).