USDA-ARS Resistance in Corn Rootworm to Bacillus thuringiensis Maize

How To Apply

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-HQ-

5/8/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling‑basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Ames, Iowa.

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.

Applied research at the USDA ARS Corn Insects & Crop Genetics Research Unit deciphers the biological, ecological and genetic factors of maize insect pests that lead to the evolution of insecticide resistance and develop tools to delay or counteract the harm insecticide resistance inflicts on the U.S. economy. Outcomes serve to increase the effectiveness of strategies that maintain the durability of insecticidal agents against maize pests and deliver implementable solutions to farmers that improve plant health.

The provided research opportunity aims to determine genetic changes in the western corn rootworm that lead to field‑evolved resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins in genetically modified maize hybrids. Outcomes will contribute long‑term goals to develop tools to detect and monitor resistant insects in field populations.

Participants will engage in a collaborative environment and learn from their mentor to develop their skills in entomological, molecular biology, and genomic research methods. This experience will further provide opportunities to hone skills in experimental design and assay development, data collection and management, biological and genomic data analyses, and oral and written communication skills.

The mentor for this opportunity is Brad Coates (brad.coates). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

As soon as possible. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

The appointment will initially be for two years.

The appointment is full time.

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $75,284 annually.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

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.

Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.HQPostdoc and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences, Entomology, Genetics, or Computer, Information and Data Sciences). Degree must have been received within the past four years.

• Experience in molecular biology, laboratory rearing of corn rootworm, and statistical analyses.

$75,284.00 Yearly

Janeen

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree received within the last 48 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
  • Scientific Computing and Informatics
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (4)