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U.S. Department of Agriculture
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USDA-ARS Evaluation of Coffee Leaf Rust and its Biological Control U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in United States
Degree Level
Master's
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Stipend of $2,500.00 monthly. Appointment is initially for six months and may be renewed subject to recommendation and availability of funds.
Deadline
Jan 1, 2027
Country
United States
University
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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About this position
This research opportunity at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico focuses on coffee leaf rust (CLR) and its biological control. Working under a mentor, the participant will contribute to a project that evaluates the susceptibility of different coffee varieties to CLR and assesses the potential of natural biocontrol agents, including mycoparasites, against Hemileia vastatrix.
The project combines plant pathology, microbiology, and molecular biology with hands-on laboratory and field work. The participant will prepare fungal growth media, use standard lab equipment, and support inoculum preparation and pathogenicity assays on coffee plants and detached leaf tissues. The work also includes DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and sequence analysis of CLR pathogens and associated mycoparasites.
Field and greenhouse activities are also central to the experience. The participant will learn to recognize CLR symptoms and signs, conduct disease surveys across coffee fields in Puerto Rico, and measure incidence and severity. Additional practical experience includes coffee planting, fertilization, weed management, irrigation, and pesticide application under established protocols.
The research environment is oriented toward sustainable coffee production and disease management, with training designed to strengthen experimental design, data collection, and plant-pathogen interaction skills.
Funding details
Stipend of $2,500.00 monthly. Appointment is initially for six months and may be renewed subject to recommendation and availability of funds.
What's required
The candidate should be currently pursuing or have already received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field. The degree must have been received within the past five years or be anticipated by 2027-06-30. Preference is given to applicants with a bachelor’s degree or those currently pursuing a master’s degree. Preferred skills include knowledge of plant biology, microbiology, and plant pathology, as well as independence and critical thinking. This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only. All application documents must be in English or accompanied by an official English translation.
How to apply
Submit the application through the Zintellect/ORISE portal and click APPLY on the opportunity page. Upload the required transcript, current CV/resume, and two educational or professional recommendations. Ensure all documents are in English or include an official English translation.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.