Research Jobs at USDA-ARS, USA | Life Sciences Candidate, Apply Online and Earn Upto $4,300 /Month
USDA ARS research jobs include this unique opportunity at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for candidates interested in studying entomopathogenic fungi as biological controls for pests. This position is based in Ithaca, New York, and applications are being accepted until 12 December 2026.
- Job Position: USDA-ARS Entomopathogenic Fungi for Biocontrol of Nematodes and Insects
- Reference Code: USDA-ARS-NEA-2026-0387
- Location: USA
About The Department
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the federal executive department responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, and food. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the USDA’s chief scientific in-house research agency, dedicated to finding solutions to agricultural problems affecting Americans daily. With a mission to support the nourishment and well-being of all people, ARS works to ensure the economic competitiveness of agriculture and sustain the nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources.
USDA ARS Research Jobs: Job Description
This listing among USDA ARS research jobs involves investigating the use of entomopathogenic fungi for protecting plants against invertebrate pests, including the invasive emerald ash borer and soybean and potato cyst nematodes. The project focuses on understanding the role of microbial metabolites and toxins in pest antagonism and developing methods for formulating fungal and bacterial consortia for biocontrol. Training will be provided in sterile culturing of microorganisms and conducting experiments to test biocontrol efficacy.
Key Responsibilities
- Learn how entomopathogenic fungi and microbial communities can be used as biological controls for plant-damaging invertebrate pests.
- Gain knowledge of invasive and agricultural pests.
- Develop sterile laboratory culturing skills for bacteria and fungi.
- Isolate microorganisms from environmental samples and maintain microbial cultures.
- Investigate how microbial metabolites and toxins contribute to pest antagonism.
- Conduct functional bioassays and growth-chamber experiments to evaluate biocontrol effectiveness.
- Collect, isolate, and prepare DNA and RNA samples for sequencing.
- Build research skills in experimental design and data collection.
Eligibility for USDA ARS Research Jobs
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree received within the last 36 months or anticipated by 31 December 2026.
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
Qualifications Required For Research Jobs
The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the relevant fields (biological science, microbiology, mycology, entomology, nematology, plant sciences, molecular biology and genetics, plant pathology or related field). Degree must have been received within the past three years, or be anticipated to receive by 12/31/2026.
Preferred skills
- Experience culturing and isolating microbes into pure culture and identifying them using DNA sequencing approaches, especially in Research Jobs.
- Experience extracting DNA and RNA from microbial and environmental samples and training in mycology, entomology, and/or nematology desirable for Research Jobs.
Required Skills
- Experience culturing and isolating microbes into pure culture.
- Experience with DNA sequencing approaches.
- Training in mycology, entomology, and/or nematology is desirable.
Stipend
$3,500.00 – $4,300.00 Monthly
Research Jobs – Application Process
A complete application consists of:
- An application
- Transcript(s) – An unofficial transcript or academic records may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- A current resume/CV, including academic history and relevant experiences.
- Two educational or professional recommendations.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
Contact Information
- The mentor for this Research Jobs opportunity is Dr. Kathryn Bushley ([email protected]). For questions about the research, please contact the mentor.
- For additional questions about the application process, please email [email protected] and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Application Deadline: 12 December 2026, 3:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
This opportunity is one of the USDA ARS research jobs that offers a chance to contribute to significant agricultural research while gaining valuable experience in biocontrol methods. Interested candidates should apply before the deadline of 12 December 2026.
