USDA-ARS Entomology Museum and Research Technician Internship

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-ARS-NE-2023-0013
How to Apply

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A complete application consists of:

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

Application Deadline
3/24/2023 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and LocationA research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Systematic Entomology Laboratory located in Beltsville, Maryland.

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.

Research ProjectThe Systematic Entomology Laboratory conducts research on the systematics and taxonomy of insect groups with importance to agriculture. The laboratory also contributes to the curation of the National Insect and Mite Collections (Smithsonian Institution). The candidate will assist three Research Entomologists at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in their ongoing research and curation projects. 

Learning ObjectivesThe candidate will gain education and training experience in arthropod collection curation techniques, insect identification, macro-and micro- photographic techniques, specimen dissection and preparation, database development and management, and insect illustration techniques on a broad array of insects of agricultural importance.

Mentor(s)The mentors(s) for this opportunity is Scott Schneider (scott.schneider3@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: February 20, 2023.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

ORISE InformationThis 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.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Northeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Biology, Entomology), or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion before June 1, 2023. Degree must have been received within the past three years.

Preferred Skills:

  • Demonstrated training in evolutionary biology and systematics is beneficial.
  • The candidate should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, general knowledge of insect morphology and taxonomy, and knowledge of scientific nomenclature. 
  • Experience with botany, insect collecting techniques, and data input is helpful.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 36 months or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2023 6:11:10 PM.
  • Overall GPA: 3.00
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (4 )
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