Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
USDA ARS Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Insect Movement Using Harmonic Rad
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Hilo, Hawaii, us, 96721
USDA ARS Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Insect Movement Using Harmonic Radar
Application Deadline:
2/13/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Reference Code:
USDA-ARS-PWA-2025-0211
How to Apply To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
Application Materials
An application
Transcript(s) – an unofficial transcript or a copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems. 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
Organization U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Hilo, Hawaii.
Research Project The postgraduate will participate in research on insect movement, collecting data using harmonic radar (HR) and then utilizing the data, combined with available environmental data, to improve the management, control, and detection of agriculturally important insect pests. Research focus will be tephritid fruit flies, which are important horticultural pests globally. The successful candidate will participate in the design, execution, and analysis of insect behavioral studies using HR, learning and applying models of insect movement, and develop predictive models. This research aims to collect movement data and produce models to enhance current surveillance, control, and eradication methods, such as optimizing trap placements and pesticide applications, determining release sites for parasitoids, and setting quarantine boundaries after incursions. The participant will attend and present findings at conferences and meetings with regulatory agencies.
Learning Objectives The fellow will gain experience planning HR studies, experimental design, field data collection, and presentation of findings. This opportunity will provide the postgraduate with knowledge of Hawaii's unique and economically important horticultural industry, while providing exposure and experience in field tracking insects with HR, agricultural practices, and integrated pest management. This opportunity will provide the training necessary to prepare the postgraduate for an exciting career in agricultural research.
Mentor The mentor for this opportunity is Matthew Siderhurst (matthew.siderhurst@usda.gov).
Appointment Details Start Date:
January 2026 (flexible)
Duration:
Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation:
Full time.
Participant Stipend:
$72,000 – $77,000 annually.
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. If you have additional questions about the application process, email ORISE.ARS.PacificWest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
Currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the following fields: Biology, Ecology, Agriculture, Entomology, Integrated Pest Management, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Biology, or a related field of study. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or be currently pursuing.
Relevant research experience in insect biology or related areas.
Preferred Skills
Knowledge of contemporary statistics, climate change, decision support tools, and insect pest management models.
Experience in animal field tracking.
Experience in animal movement data analysis and modeling.
Background in statistics, GIS, and R programming.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of entomology, invasion biology, and integrated pest management.
Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
Degree: Doctoral Degree.
Point of Contact Janeen
#J-18808-Ljbffr
2/13/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Reference Code:
USDA-ARS-PWA-2025-0211
How to Apply To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
Application Materials
An application
Transcript(s) – an unofficial transcript or a copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems. 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
Organization U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Hilo, Hawaii.
Research Project The postgraduate will participate in research on insect movement, collecting data using harmonic radar (HR) and then utilizing the data, combined with available environmental data, to improve the management, control, and detection of agriculturally important insect pests. Research focus will be tephritid fruit flies, which are important horticultural pests globally. The successful candidate will participate in the design, execution, and analysis of insect behavioral studies using HR, learning and applying models of insect movement, and develop predictive models. This research aims to collect movement data and produce models to enhance current surveillance, control, and eradication methods, such as optimizing trap placements and pesticide applications, determining release sites for parasitoids, and setting quarantine boundaries after incursions. The participant will attend and present findings at conferences and meetings with regulatory agencies.
Learning Objectives The fellow will gain experience planning HR studies, experimental design, field data collection, and presentation of findings. This opportunity will provide the postgraduate with knowledge of Hawaii's unique and economically important horticultural industry, while providing exposure and experience in field tracking insects with HR, agricultural practices, and integrated pest management. This opportunity will provide the training necessary to prepare the postgraduate for an exciting career in agricultural research.
Mentor The mentor for this opportunity is Matthew Siderhurst (matthew.siderhurst@usda.gov).
Appointment Details Start Date:
January 2026 (flexible)
Duration:
Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation:
Full time.
Participant Stipend:
$72,000 – $77,000 annually.
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. If you have additional questions about the application process, email ORISE.ARS.PacificWest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
Currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the following fields: Biology, Ecology, Agriculture, Entomology, Integrated Pest Management, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Biology, or a related field of study. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or be currently pursuing.
Relevant research experience in insect biology or related areas.
Preferred Skills
Knowledge of contemporary statistics, climate change, decision support tools, and insect pest management models.
Experience in animal field tracking.
Experience in animal movement data analysis and modeling.
Background in statistics, GIS, and R programming.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of entomology, invasion biology, and integrated pest management.
Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
Degree: Doctoral Degree.
Point of Contact Janeen
#J-18808-Ljbffr