USDA-ARS Evaluation of Coffee Leaf Rust and its Biological Control

Organization U.
S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Reference Code USDA-ARS-SEA-2026-0414

How To Apply
To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY. A Complete Application Consists Of
• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. Connect with ORISE...on the GO Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond” Application Deadline 12/18/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone Description
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and applications may close before the deadline. 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 Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. 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: This project aims to evaluate the susceptibility of different coffee varieties to coffee leaf rust (CLR) and to assess the potential of natural biocontrol agents (mycoparasites) against Hemileia vastatrix. You will gain experience preparing fungal growth media and using standard laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, sterilizers, centrifuges, and homogenizers. You will also learn to identify key symptoms and signs of CLR, and conduct disease surveys (assessing incidence and severity) across coffee fields in Puerto Rico. Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, you will:
• Learn to evaluate coffee-variety susceptibility to coffee leaf rust (CLR) caused by Hemileia vastatrix.
• Gain experience assessing natural fungal biocontrol agents, including mycoparasites, for their potential to suppress CLR.
• Develop laboratory skills in preparing fungal media and operating standard equipment such as autoclaves, sterilizers, centrifuges, and homogenizers.
• Learn to recognize CLR symptoms and signs and conduct field disease surveys measuring disease incidence and severity in Puerto Rican coffee farms.
• Prepare H. vastatrix inoculum and conduct pathogenicity assays using spore suspensions on coffee plants and detached leaf tissues.
• Build molecular-biology skills through DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and sequence analysis of CLR pathogens and associated mycoparasites.
• Gain practical greenhouse and field-management experience, including coffee planting, fertilization, weed management, irrigation, and pesticide application under established protocols.
• Strengthen experimental-design, plant-pathology, data-collection, and disease-management skills relevant to sustainable coffee production. Through these activities, you will develop or strengthen practical skills in plant pathology, disease evaluation, and plant-pathogen interactions. Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Luz Serrato-Diaz (luz.serrato@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s). Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 2027. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors. Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for six 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. 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.
Southeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity. Qualifications The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past one year or anticipated to be received by 6/30/2027. Preference is placed on applicants with a bachelor's degree or applicants who are currently pursuing a master's degree. Preferred Skills
• Knowledge of plant biology, microbiology, plant pathology.
• A degree of independence and critical thinking. Stipend $2,500.00 Monthly Point of Contact Janeen Eligibility Requirements">11 )
• Citizenship: U.
S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 12 months or anticipated to be received by 6/30/2027 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (