USDA-ARS Postgraduate Analytical Chemistry Research Training Opportunity

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: An Analytical Chemistry training opportunity for a postgraduate appointment is currently available within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) with the Animal Metabolism - Agricultural Chemicals Research Unit (AMACRU) located at the Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center in Fargo, North Dakota.

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.

The mission of the AMACRU is to investigate the fate of chemicals in food animals and food animal systems. The laboratory is engaged in a variety of research projects directed towards understanding the fate and disposition of chemicals in animals and(or) animal products used for human consumption. 

Research Project: This is a 1-year appointment where a candidate within 5 years of graduating and obtaining a degree in a field of science can learn additional laboratory techniques for extraction and isolation of environmental contaminants from food matrices and analysis using a gas chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer. Candidates can be in the fields of animal science, chemistry, biology, toxicology, etc.

The project seeks to provide training/experience to an individual interested in food residue chemistry research. 

Opportunity to learn the isolation and identification of chemicals from biological matrices is anticipated and it is preferred that applicants are able to conduct research with tissues and(or) excreta from farm and laboratory animals including, but not limited to swine, cattle, and catfish.

Learning Objectives: The opportunity is designed to provide an interested individual with in-depth experience conducting food safety research and to provide additional experience in sample preparation, extraction and analysis of environmental contaminants from food matrices.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Sara Lupton (sara.lupton@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 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 full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Stipend range is $33,350 – $38,400 annually.

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.Plains@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Salary : $33,350 - $38,400