U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
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.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The main location is in Washington D.C., but the location is flexible.
Research Project: The Systematic Entomology Laboratory leverages museum collections for research to develop tools to protect and control agriculturally important arthropods. For this specific project, the goal is to help develop a machine learning model of agriculturally important beetles to identify them as quickly and as accurately as possible. Under the guidance of the mentor, the participant will have the opportunity to gain experience in and learn about the challenges of developing machine learning models using museum specimens. A range of museum imaging and curatorial skills will be provided that are needed to conduct experimental design, museum curation, and specimen imaging.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this training the participant will improve their skills in AI experimental design, natural history curation, photography, and databasing.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Chris Owen (christopher.owen@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Early 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for nine months, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is part-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
ORISE Information: 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.
Apply for USDA-ARS-NE-2023-0481A by 3/1/2024 3:00 PM ET