USDA-ARS High School​/GED Internships in Aquaculture Research

How to Apply

The following documents must be submitted with your application:

• An application
• Transcript(s) – An unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors.  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.

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

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA-ARS-NEA-

4/10/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Four student research internship opportunities are currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture (NCCCWA), located in Leetown, West Virginia.

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 National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture (NCCCWA) is located in Leetown, West Virginia. The mission of the NCCCWA is to enhance the nation's aquaculture production of cool and cold‑water fish species by developing improved germplasm and technologies that increase farm efficiency, product quality, and environmental sustainability. Research encompasses genetics, genomics, physiology, aquatic animal health, microbiology, and aquaculture engineering.

The participant will be involved in processes to improve fish health and the efficiency of aquaculture production.

The selected participants will receive training and participate in hands‑on research activities at the ARS NCCCWA including fish health, microbiology, animal husbandry and welfare, fish hatchery rearing protocols, fish physiology, molecular biology, genetics and genomics.

The mentors for this opportunity are: a) Yniv Palti (yniv.paltia.gov); b) Tim Welch (tim.welch); c) Beth Cleveland (beth.cleveland); d) Mark Hostuttler (mark.hostuttler). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentors.

March 1, 2026 (Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors).

The appointment will initially be for six months or less, without renewal.

The appointment is part time or full time.

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $355.60–$711.20 weekly.

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 e‑mail ORISE.ARS.Northeast and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a high school diploma or GED and be enrolled in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past two years, or is currently pursuing.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree:
  High School Diploma/GED received within the last 24 months or currently pursuing
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
  • Communications and Graphics Design
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
  • Earth and Geosciences
  • Engineering
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Other Non‑Science & Engineering
  • Physics
  • Science & Engineering‑related
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Age:
  Must be 18 years of age

Janeen