USDA-ARS Seasonal Student Trainee Measuring Plant Response to Abiotic Production Factors

How To Apply

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

• An application
• Transcript(s) – An unofficial transcript or copy of 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-NEA-

A Complete Application Consists Of:

• An application
• Transcript(s) – 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

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

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4/24/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

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

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the USDA'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 agency aims to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

The Adaptive Cropping Systems Laboratory (ACSL) at the USDA-ARS Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Beltsville, Maryland conducts integrated experimental and modeling research to understand how crops respond to key abiotic factors such as weather, soil conditions, and management practices. The team designs and conducts controlled experiments and develops, validates, and applies advanced mathematical models to investigate agricultural challenges including the impacts of extreme weather on crop production, land suitability assessment, food security, on-farm resource management, and farmer competitiveness.

Students will participate in seasonal controlled-environment experiments (e.g., greenhouses and growth chambers) aimed at improving understanding of how crop production responds to environmental conditions. Data generated supports scientists in identifying management strategies that enhance farm profitability and strengthen food security. Students will gain hands-on experience across multiple stages of seasonal experimental research.

Students will collaborate with laboratory scientist mentors and technical staff on a variety of seasonal experimental activities, including helping with low-voltage sensor calibration, testing, and operation; contributing to the design of plant experiments; caring for and harvesting plant materials; collecting and recording measurements; entering and organizing data; and performing basic statistical analyses using various software tools.

Participants will learn how plants and soils respond to genetic, environmental, and management inputs, and why understanding these interactions is essential for improving food security and promoting sustainable farming systems. They will gain hands-on experience with low-voltage environmental sensing technologies and…