USDA-ARS Sugar Beet Genetic Improvement Post-Bachelor Fellowship

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Kimberly, Idaho. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the USDA's chief scientific in-house research agency, delivering cutting-edge solutions for agricultural challenges from field to table.

About the role

The Sugar Beet Genetic Improvement project at the Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Unit (NWISRL) aims to decipher molecular mechanisms for genetic variations in agronomically important traits to improve sugar beet production and disease resistance. This opportunity focuses on evaluating diverse germplasm, particularly responses to beet curly top virus (BCTV), rhizomania disease, and early seedling freezing tolerance. You will participate in propagating and multiplying beet leaf hopper populations for greenhouse and field evaluations of host resistance.

Research Project

The sugar beet research program at NWISRL develops genetic resources to enhance resistance to disease and abiotic stress. Your participation will include:

• Evaluation of diverse germplasm for resistance to BCTV, rhizomania, and freezing tolerance.
• Propagation and multiplication of beet leaf hopper populations for research trials.
• Training in plant genetics, breeding, pathology, molecular techniques, and statistical analysis.

Learning Objectives

• Develop technical skills in phenotypic, genetic, and molecular evaluation of plant genotypes.
• Learn experimental design, greenhouse and field trials, trait assessment, and data collection.
• Analyze and summarize research data.
• Attend mentor-approved meetings and workshops.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Evan Long (Evan.Long@usda.gov). Contact the mentor for questions about the research.

Appointment Details

• Start Date: January 4, 2027 (flexible based on circumstances).
• Duration: Initially one year, renewable contingent on funding availability.
• Participation Level: Full-time.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or have received a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field within the past five years (by December 31, 2026).
• Minimum overall GPA: 3.00.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Skills

• Strong communication and organizational skills, including note-taking and timely correspondence.
• Punctuality, reliability, and enthusiasm for scientific experiences.
• Desire to learn; prior lab or greenhouse experience is helpful but not required.

Pay

Monthly stipend of $3,500.00 – $4,200.00, commensurate with educational level and experience.