USDA-ARS Grass Molecular Biology Fellow Opportunity in Oregon, USA (2026)

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), has announced a fully funded research fellowship opportunity in Grass Molecular Biology at its research facility in Corvallis, Oregon, USA. The fellowship is administered through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and offers hands-on research experience in plant genetics, molecular biology, and agricultural biotechnology.

This opportunity is ideal for recent graduates interested in plant science, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, and agricultural research.

Applications are open until 31 July 2026.

About USDA-ARS

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the principal in-house scientific research agency of the USDA. ARS conducts cutting-edge agricultural research aimed at solving critical challenges related to:

  • Food security

  • Sustainable agriculture

  • Plant genetics

  • Crop resilience

  • Climate adaptation

  • Agroecosystem sustainability

The agency plays a major role in supporting American agriculture through scientific innovation and advanced research.

The fellowship is hosted at the USDA-ARS research facility in Corvallis, Oregon, one of the leading centers for agricultural and plant research in the United States.

Research Project Overview

The selected fellow will participate in research projects focused on cool-season grass genetics and molecular biology. The work will involve studying:

  • Seed yield

  • Abiotic stress response

  • Biotic stress resistance

  • Herbicide resistance

  • Plant genetics and gene editing

The participant will conduct research across:

  • Field environments

  • Greenhouses

  • Laboratory facilities

The fellowship also provides opportunities to work with advanced molecular biology and biotechnology techniques.

Training and Learning Objectives

The selected fellow will receive training in:

  • Grass tissue culture

  • Plant transformation

  • Gene editing

  • DNA and RNA extraction

  • PCR and qPCR techniques

  • Metabolite analysis

  • Plant phenotyping

  • Statistical data analysis

This hands-on training provides strong preparation for future careers in:

  • Plant biotechnology

  • Molecular genetics

  • Agricultural science

  • Crop improvement

  • Graduate research programs

Mentor and Research Environment

The fellowship will be supervised by:

Dr. Joseph Gallagher

USDA-ARS Research Mentor

Researchers will work within an advanced agricultural research environment with access to modern laboratory and greenhouse facilities.

The project emphasizes practical training, scientific collaboration, and skill development in agricultural molecular biology.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be U.S. citizens

  • Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field

  • Have completed the degree within the past five years

Relevant disciplines include:

  • Plant Science

  • Molecular Biology

  • Genetics

  • Biotechnology

  • Environmental Science

  • Life Sciences

  • Agricultural Science

Preferred qualifications include:

  • Interest in plant genetics and molecular biology

  • Laboratory research experience

  • Experience with greenhouse or field plant work

Fellowship Duration and Start Date

Start Date

Expected start: 1 September 2026

The start date is flexible depending on research and administrative factors.

Duration

  • Initial appointment: 1 year

  • Possible renewal depending on funding and performance

Work Type

  • Full-time research fellowship

Fellowship Stipend

Selected participants will receive a monthly stipend based on educational background and experience.

Expected Stipend

  • $4,000 – $5,000 per month

The fellowship is funded through ORISE in collaboration with USDA-ARS.

Participants are not considered federal employees and do not receive employment benefits. Proof of health insurance is required.

Why This Fellowship Is Valuable

This USDA-ARS fellowship offers several major advantages:

  • Hands-on molecular biology training

  • Gene editing and biotechnology research

  • Advanced plant genetics experience

  • USDA research exposure

  • Strong preparation for PhD programs

  • Experience in agricultural innovation

The opportunity is particularly valuable for students planning careers in:

  • Plant biotechnology

  • Agricultural genomics

  • Crop science

  • Molecular breeding

  • Environmental biology

  • Agricultural research

The combination of laboratory, greenhouse, and field research provides broad scientific training rarely available in short-term fellowships.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  • Online application

  • Academic transcripts

  • Current CV or résumé

  • Publication list (if applicable)

  • Two recommendations

All documents must be submitted in English.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is strongly recommended.

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

  • Expected Start Date: 1 September 2026

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official ORISE application portal.

Reference Code: USDA-ARS-PWA-2026-0234

For research-related questions: joseph.gallagher@usda.gov

For application support: ORISE.ARS.PacificWest@orau.org

Official Application link: APPLY HERE

Final Thoughts

The USDA-ARS Grass Molecular Biology Fellowship is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates seeking advanced research training in plant genetics and molecular biology.

With hands-on experience in gene editing, plant biotechnology, molecular techniques, and agricultural research, this fellowship provides strong preparation for future PhD studies and research careers in plant science and agricultural biotechnology.

Students and recent graduates interested in molecular plant biology and sustainable agriculture should strongly consider applying.

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