USDA-ARS Fellowship Quarantine and Postharvest Biology

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 student academic records may be submitted.  for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Contact information for two educational or professional recommendations

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-PWA-

3/27/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

A research opportunity is available with USDA-ARS, located in Hilo, Hawaii. The Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research Unit focuses on developing pre‑ and postharvest technologies for invasive pests and maintaining market access for tropical crops.

The fellow will participate in team research focused on the development of postharvest and phytosanitary disinfestation treatments for durable and non‑perishable commodities subject to quarantine restrictions. Activities include helping fumigation trials (ethyl formate, phosphine, sulfuryl fluoride, methyl bromide), conducting controlled heat, cold, and irradiation treatments, maintaining insect colonies, preparing commodities, and collecting efficacy and quality data.

Exposure to advanced techniques in quarantine biology, experimental design, and safe handling of fumigants and physical control treatments, plus practical experience in postharvest pest management and regulatory science.

Dong Cha (dong.cha)

As soon as a candidate is identified; flexible start date.

One year initially, may be renewed upon recommendation and availability of funds.

Full time.

Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

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

Program administered by ORAU under contract with DOE. Participants are not USDA employees and have no employment benefits. Proof of health insurance is required; can be obtained through ORISE.

Please visit our program website. For application process questions, email ORISE.ARS.Pacific West with reference code.

Candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in Entomology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biological or Agricultural Sciences, or related fields. Degree must have been received in the past five years, or be currently pursuing with anticipation to receive by appointment start date.

• Experience in commodity quality evaluation and/or postharvest treatment
• Fluent spoken and written English, excellent communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in a group
• Experience with gas chromatography
• Experience with insect rearing
• Experience with quality evaluation of fruit, flower, and/or potted plants
• Strong interpersonal and organization skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated experience and publication record in related field

Janeen

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen only
• Degree:
  Master’s or Doctoral
• Discipline:
  Chemistry and Materials Sciences (including subfields)
• Environmental and Marine Sciences
• Life Health and Medical Sciences
• Veteran Status:
  Veterans Preference, degree within last 120 months