Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code: USDA-ARS-PWA-2026-0106A

Location

ARS Office/Lab: Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit, Aberdeen, Idaho

Research Project

The participant will join a barley and oat improvement project, whose goals are to enhance barley and oat productivity, quality, and stress resistance by combining traditional, molecular, and genomics methods. The participant will be part of the research effort in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field environment, and will be involved in creating experimental designs and treatments, collecting experimental data, and analyzing and interpreting results.

Learning Objectives

Under the guidance of a mentor, the intern will be given the opportunity to participate in preparing plant bacterial colonies of Xanthomonas translucens pv. translucens (Xtt), evaluating barley, oat and wheat germplasm for bacterial leaf streak infection, creating and validating molecular markers specific to Xtt, quantifying bacterial DNA in infected host tissues, and correlating bacterial DNA content with bacterial colonies, all of which will enhance the participant's training and skills. Attending mentor-approved meetings and workshops will be encouraged.

Mentor

Belayneh Yimer (belayneh.yimer@usda.gov)

Appointment Details

• Anticipated Start Date: May 4, 2026 (flexible)
• Appointment Length: Initially three months, may be renewed
• Level of Participation: Full time
• Participant Stipend: $4,800 - $5,600 monthly (commensurate with educational level and experience)
• Citizenship: U.S. citizens only

Qualifications

Currently pursuing or received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in relevant fields.

Preferred Skills

• Relevant coursework in Biology and agricultural sciences
• Experience with molecular biology techniques
• Experience with microorganisms
• Willingness to conduct field, greenhouse and laboratory experiments
• Strong communication skills for collaborative experimental design and reporting results

Application Information

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Deadline: 5/8/2026 3:00 PM ET. Complete application includes application, transcripts, resume/CV, two recommendations. Program administered by ORISE/ORAU.