Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

ARS Office/Lab and Location

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

Research Project

The Appalachian Fruit Research Station is devoted to developing sustainable production practices and breeding novel fruit varieties. Research areas include topics that encompass biology, ecology, entomology, soil science, plant pathology, plant physiology, horticulture, genetics and breeding. The research facility has 500 acres of land with experimental orchards and vineyards, 14,000 square feet of greenhouse space, and state of the art laboratories. You will have the opportunity to train with scientists on projects such as: developing biological control tools to reduce the impacts of the invasive spotted lanternfly, exploring mechanisms behind the emergence of plant diseases in orchards and vineyards, regenerative agriculture soil sampling, and improving fruit quality through development of specific horticultural practices, understanding how plant architecture can improve overall fruit production systems. Hands-on experience will be daily part of your experience.

Learning Objectives

• Chemical ecology of invasive insect pests like spotted lanternfly
• Experimental Design and data curation
• Management of temperate fruit trees and grapevines
• Sustainable management strategies for invasive and persistent insect pests of temperate fruit

Mentor

Tracy Leskey (tracy.leskey@usda.gov)

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

May 18, 2026. Start date is flexible.

Appointment Length

Initially six months, may be renewed.

Level of Participation

Full time.

Participant Stipend

$600 - $650 weekly.

Qualifications

Currently pursuing or have received an associate's or bachelor's degree in relevant fields (e.g. biology, environmental studies, ecology, plant science, chemistry, soil science, horticulture, genetics and/or molecular biology).

Preferred skills: A strong interest in being in a research environment that may involve both laboratory and field studies.