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USDA-ARS Foodborne Pathogens and Fresh Produce Fellowship

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline.

ARS Office/Lab and LocationA research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at the Northeast Area (NEA) Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) located in Beltsville, Maryland.

Research ProjectThe overall aims of the research project are to generate scientific information on how fresh produce processing and storage practices affect foodborne pathogen survival and persistence. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will collaborate with team members to conduct independent research using advanced microbiological and genomic tools to study the interactions between foodborne pathogens with fresh produce and processing environmental surfaces.

Participant activities include: 1) Collaborating with mentors and team leader in designing studies; 2) Executing studies based on research plan and modifying research plans when necessary; 3) Collecting and analyzing data to test hypotheses and to draw preliminary conclusions; 4) Collaborating with mentor and team leader to report research findings.

Learning ObjectivesThe participant will learn to apply his/her scientific and technical knowledge in the field of food safety research, and will learn to develop skills in planning, executing, and reporting research. Technically, the participant will learn to use genomic, spectrometric, and microscopic tools for studying bacteria-environmental interactions.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Xiangwu Nou (xiangwu.nou@ars.usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 1, 2020.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment(s) will initially be for ten months, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant(s) will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR). Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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 USDA-ARS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.