Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Research Participation Program

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency responsible for developing and transferring solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority. The ARS seeks to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day, from the field to table.

The ARS Research Participation Program is an educational and training program designed to provide college students, recent graduates, and university faculty opportunities to participate in project-specific ARS research and developmental activities.

Eligibility

1. Students must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM), and must maintain satisfactory progress in academic coursework.
2. Postgraduates must have received their degree (associate’s, bachelor’s, and/or master’s) in an appropriate STEM discipline within five years of the appointment start date, or must complete all requirements for such a degree prior to the desired start date.
3. Postdoctoral must have received their doctoral degree in an appropriate STEM discipline within five years of the appointment start date, or must complete all requirements for such a degree prior to the desired start date.

The program is typically open to qualified U.S. citizens, foreign citizens who are eligible to participate as J-1 Exchange Visitors, and foreign citizens eligible for other visa categories approved by ARS and ORISE. However, a few ARS offices may only appoint U.S. citizens due to the sensitive nature of the research performed and/or restricted facility access. Any such restrictions will be clearly stated in the project description of the opportunity posting.

Benefits

• Stipend: Participants receive a monthly stipend to help defray living and other expenses during the appointment. Stipend rates are determined by USDA-ARS and are based on the participant’s educational level. Some mentors may also award relocation, a travel allowance, and/or a health insurance stipend
• Travel: Depending on your project assignment, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for travel and educational experiences which promote the educational goals of your appointment.
• Relocation Allowance: A relocation reimbursement may be provided for expenses for participants who relocate more than fifty miles, one-way, to the assigned hosting site. You will be responsible for securing your own living space and determining your means of local transportation prior to arriving at the designated host site. Hosting facilities may provide assistance locating appropriate housing in the local area.
• Health Insurance: A health insurance stipend is typically provided to cover medical, dental, and vision insurance