USDA-ARS Student Research Experience in Resilient Agriculture
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in North Central Agricultural Research Laboratory in Brookings, South Dakota.
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 Project: The research mission of the agency is to develop, document, and promote soil, crop, and pest management practices that are ecologically sustainable while maintaining producer profitability. This research project provides graduating high school seniors, who are pursuing undergraduate studies in STEM, with an opportunity to explore the world of agricultural science through hands-on learning experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to studies focused on improving soil health and supporting insect diversity. By working closely with experienced scientists and mentors in both laboratory and field settings, participants will gain foundational knowledge and skills in scientific research that will prepare them for future academic and career opportunities in agriculture, environmental science, or related fields.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor and as part of a collaborative research team, the participant will:
- Gain Hands-On Research Experience: Learn how to collect, organize, and process soil, crop, and pest samples during field and lab activities.
- Be Introduced to Lab Techniques: Gain exposure to basic chemical and physical laboratory methods used to analyze agricultural samples.
- Develop Data Management Skills: Learn how to organize and interpret research data to better understand scientific findings.
- Explore Sustainable Agriculture Concepts: Understand the importance of practices that improve soil health and support biodiversity in farming systems.
- Learn the Basics of Scientific Research: Build a foundational understanding of how research is conducted, including setting up experiments, analyzing results, and presenting findings.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Shannon Osborne (shannon.osborne@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for three months but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $3,168 monthly.
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.
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Plains@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a high school diploma or GED and have been accepted into an undergraduate program in a STEM field for Fall 2026.
Stipend
$3,168.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: High School Diploma/GED received within the last 3 months or currently pursuing.