Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Biological Sciences
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Biological Control of Pests Research Unit located in Stoneville, Mississippi.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in the following activities:
- General microbiological activities such as: preparing media, serial dilutions and estimating colony-forming-units, replica plating and phenotypic characterization of fungal isolates
- Routine plant propagation efforts: plant seeds, water and fertilize plants in the greenhouse
- Molecular biology research: DNA isolation and amplification, and analysis of DNA profiles
- Record keeping and lab upkeep: Maintain records, preserve samples and data integrity, promote safe research environment
This opportunity is in the USDA-ARS Biological Control of Pests Research Unit in a laboratory focusing on the plant pathogen, Aspergillus flavus. The participant will gain experience in processing of plant and soil samples, sterile technique and microbiological protocols, DNA extractions, amplification techniques and analysis of DNA fingerprints. Additional exposures are possible in GIS technology, plant propagation, and production of biocontrol agents.
This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields.
Preferred skills:
- Training and experience in microbiology, sterile technique, and plating and counting colonies
- Familiarity with chemistry, biology and molecular biology
- Familiarity with plant biology and / or agriculture
- Work experience in molecular biology or agriculture
If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (USDA-ARS-2020-0053) in your email.