USDA-ARS Agrobacterium Strain Development for Biotechnology Fellowship

How to Apply Scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY. An application form Transcript(s) – Unofficial transcript or copy of academic records is acceptable. For details on acceptable transcripts, refer to the provided link. Current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list. Two educational or professional recommendations. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. Organization U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Reference Code

USDA-ARS-PWA-2025-0243

Application Deadline June 19, 2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone Description Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Location and Lab U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service located in Albany, CA. Research Project This project involves reviving agro strains from various collections and characterizing them for antibiotic resistance. Agro strains that do not show resistance to kanamycin, gentamicin, and spectinomycin will be sent for whole-genome sequencing and alignment. Genomic information will be collected to identify virulence genes. The research continues by testing antibiotic‑sensitive strains for the ability to be transformed with a binary vector, to form gall tissue on various plant species/cultivars, and the ability to facilitate transfer of the T‑DNA from the vector. The focus is on citrus and grape cultivars. Strains that can produce gall tissue will be evaluated for rate of tissue growth and homogeneity of T‑DNA/tissue expression. Successful strains will be disarmed and genome modified with GAANTRY technology. Learning Objectives The participant will learn about Agrobacterium, its life cycle, genetics, and application toward biotechnology. Mentor James Thomson (View email address on click.appcast.io) Appointment Start date: As soon as a candidate is identified. Length: Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and contingent on funding. Participation level: Full‑time. Stipend Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Annual range: $50,000 – $65,000. Citizenship Requirements U.S. citizen only. ORISE Information This program is 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). 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. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. Questions For additional questions about the application process, email View email address on click.appcast.io with reference code for this opportunity. Qualifications Candidate should have received a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field within the past 36 months. Preferred Skills Experience with sterile microbiology techniques. Experience with microbe manipulation (culture, transformation, freezing). Familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, and plasmid cloning. Eligibility Requirements Citizenship: U.S. citizen only. Degree: Bachelor’s degree received within the last 36 months. Disciplines: Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture, Agronomy and Crop Science, Biology (General), Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Botany, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Developmental Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics (including Genome Sciences), Horticulture, Immunology, Microbiology, Plant Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, etc. Point of Contact Janeen #J-18808-Ljbffr Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education