Description
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: Research opportunities are currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.
Research Project: The project aims to enhance participants’ understanding of natural fiber phenotyping for quality standardization and classification of bioproducts for market. The research focuses on addressing and identifying plant genotype by cultivar variabilities, utilizing innovative analysis techniques, while contributing to the evolving hemp fiber industry. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in appointment activities to include:
- Conducting comprehensive phenotype analysis for hemp fiber and hurd characterization.
- Operating a 3D imaging system for plant morphology.
- Gathering data from a lab-scale fiber processing system.
- Documenting, recording, and transferring collected data to other operating systems.
Learning Objectives:
- Adapting research methods to address genotype variabilities in plant morphology.
- Identifying and applying analysis techniques for measuring fiber characteristics using both traditional natural fiber measurement instruments and novel designs.
- Developing proficiency in adapting analysis methods to meet specific industry needs.
- Gaining practical experience in collaboration with a team within a research setting.
- Developing effective communication skills to contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary projects.
- Understanding the practical applications of research within the broader industrial context.
- Gaining insights into challenges and opportunities in the sector.
- Acquiring skills, techniques, and project designs necessary for providing empirical data and technology to meet industrial stakeholders’ needs.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Douglas Hinchliffe (doug.hinchliffe@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: April 18, 2024. 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 part time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
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.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor’s degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
Preferred skills:
- Candidate should have completed coursework in any of these areas of study:
- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences to include but not limited to areas of interest such as agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Biological Engineering, Crop and Soil Science, Food Science, or Horticulture
- Biology to include but not limited to areas of interest such as Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Laboratory, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry or Healthcare Sciences
- Engineering to include but not limited to areas of interest such as Agricultural Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Systems Engineering
- Have familiarity with genetic phenotyping techniques and experimental designs
- Have exposure to laboratory procedures and protocols, including the operation of analytical instruments, experimental design, and handling of biological samples
- Have been introduced to data analysis tools and statistical software, such as SPSS or R, for processing and interpreting research data
- Have completed academic projects, presented results, and collaborated within a multidisciplinary team
- Demonstrate interest in gaining experience in the hemp industry
- Literature review and summarizing research papers
- Using databases and search engines effectively
- Combining information from different sources
- Understanding basic research methods (qualitative and quantitative)
- Familiarity with statistical tools
- Organizing materials and data
- Problem-solving and thinking critically
- Managing time and tasks
- Using basic productivity tools (like Microsoft Office)
- Communicating clearly in writing and speech
- Collaborating well in a team
- Being open to feedback and learning from it
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor’s Degree received within the last 60 month(s).