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USDA-ARS Sugarcane, Sugar Beet, and Sweet Sorghum Post-Harvest Processing Research Opportunity

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education · New Orleans, LA · 3 wk ago
Finance$1k–$4k/moFull-time

Research Project

You will engage in research focused on analysis of microbial degradation and associated biofilms and polysaccharides in sugarcane and sugar beet post-harvest storage and processing. The research will also include analysis of sugar crop (sugarcane, sugar beet, sweet sorghum) processing products, including sugars and syrups, resulting from experimental projects to improve food product quality and support new uses for sugar crops.

Learning Objectives

  • Mastering sample preparation and following experimental design protocols.
  • Utilizing analytical instrumentation to support characterization of sugar products and associated carbohydrate samples.
  • 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.

Mentor(s)

The mentor for this opportunity is Evan Terrell (evan.terrell@usda.gov).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

The anticipated appointment start date is 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 or part time, and is negotiable.

Participant Stipend

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $1,000 - $4,000 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.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in the one of the relevant fields, at an accredited U.S. college, university, or technical institute and maintain satisfactory progress in academic coursework.

Preferred skills

  • Experience in analysis of sugars and/or food products using techniques including HPLC, FTIR, and viscometry.
  • Experience in multidisciplinary research teams, excellent communication skills, and a creative, solution-oriented approach to troubleshooting analytical challenges are highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with data science and machine learning applications for analytical chemistry, industrial/agricultural facilities, and techno-economic analysis is considered a plus.

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