USDA-ARS Studying Microbial Degradation of Sucrose and Production of Bacterial Exopolysaccharides

About the role

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking a participant to engage in research focused on analyzing microbial degradation of sucrose and the production of bacterial exopolysaccharides. The research will utilize laboratory-based conventional molecular biology techniques such as recombinant protein expression and purification to produce and study enzymes that produce polysaccharides relevant to sugarcane and sugar beet post-harvest storage raw sugar extraction.

Responsibilities

• Mastering biological sample preparation and following experimental design protocols.
• Learning heterologous protein expression, purification, and downstream catalysis of products.
• Learning data organization and management skills.
• Learning to utilize analytical instrumentation to support characterization of microbial products and associated carbohydrate samples.
• Learning to quantify microbial load (colony forming units CFUs) by semi-automated methods.
• Learning collecting, organizing, and processing numerical data from analytical instrumentation, industrial facilities, and experimental analyses.
• Understanding biological and chemical aspects of sugarcane and sugar beet harvesting, transportation, storage, and raw sugar manufacturing.
• Developing scientific communication skills through supporting contributions to presentations and manuscript preparation.

Requirements

The participant should be currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in relevant fields such as Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or Agricultural or Chemical Engineering, anticipated to be received by 9/1/2026.

• Molecular biology experience with PCR, plasmids, cloning or heterologous protein expression.
• Experience with protein samples including quantification, analysis by SDS-PAGE and gel staining, chromatography or protein purification.
• Proficient handling of micropipetters and tips.
• Experience preparing microbiological media and aseptic techniques.
• Experience growing microbiological cultures.
• Experience in analysis of sugars and/or food products using techniques including HPLC, FTIR, and viscometry.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Software.
• Experience in multidisciplinary research teams, excellent communication skills, and a creative, solution-oriented approach to troubleshooting analytical challenges are highly desirable.

Qualifications

• The participant should be a U.S. citizen.
• The participant should have a minimum overall GPA of 3.50.

Skills

• Familiarity with data science and machine learning applications for analytical chemistry, industrial/agricultural facilities, and techno-economic analysis is considered a plus.

Benefits

No specific benefits are mentioned in the job posting.

Pay

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $3,784 - $4,205 monthly.

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). The mentor for this opportunity is Gillian Bruni (gillian.bruni@usda.gov).

Connect with ORISE

Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!