USDA ARS Data Analytics and Plant Genetics

About the Role

A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS). This fellowship supports research focused on identifying the genetic and physiological mechanisms that drive weediness evolution, crop stress tolerance, and breeding improvement.

Research Project

• Analyze genomic, transcriptomic, phenomic, and physiological datasets from corn, snap bean, soybean, and waterhemp.
• Identify genes involved in herbicide sensitivity and abiotic-stress resilience.
• Conduct hands-on experimentation, data processing, and collaborative research with ARS scientists and university partners.
• Develop advanced experience in plant genomics, quantitative genetics, and stress-response biology.
• Integrate image-based analytical techniques using satellite and UAV platforms for phenotyping.

Learning Objectives

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to learn to:

• Detail how genetic and physiological mechanisms contribute to weediness evolution, crop stress tolerance, and crop-improvement breeding.
• Analyze genomic, transcriptomic, phenomic, and physiological datasets from corn, snap bean, soybean, and waterhemp.
• Identify genes and genetic pathways associated with herbicide sensitivity and abiotic-stress resilience.
• Advance knowledge in plant genomics, quantitative genetics, and plant stress-response biology.
• Conduct experiments, data processing, and interpretation of plant-performance results.
• Apply image-based phenotyping techniques, including satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms.

Mentor

• Zhanyou Xu (zhanyou.xu@usda.gov)

Appointment Details

• Anticipated Start Date: December 2026 (flexible)
• Appointment Length: Initially one year, renewable.
• Level of Participation: Full-time.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or have received a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Degree received within the past five years or anticipated to be received by 1/31/2027.

Preferred Skills

• Image-based analytical techniques using satellite and UAV platforms.
• R and python Shiny Application development.
• Mobile app development experience.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only.
• Degree: Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.

Stipend

• $70,000.00 – $90,000.00 Yearly.

Important Notes

• 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. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
• Application Deadline: 12/4/2026, 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone.