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Plant Breeding Summer Internship
Job Description
The research internship will assist the sunflower genetics lab at the Northern Crops Science Laboratory in Fargo, ND which is located on NDSU campus. We work to make public release sunflower inbred lines with value added traits such as disease resistance, improved oil content, and high yield potential. In addition, there is numerous other side projects such as silphium domestication, perennial flax research, and various sunflower projects. The hours are 40 hours per week with some overtime work as needed. Responsibilities include:- Aid Research Technicians with planting, data collection, and plot maintenance
- Help with plot maintenance by tilling, weeding, and cultivating
- Ability to learn various breeding methods to complete crosses and self-pollinations
- Travel to multiple field locations as part of data collection
- Potential for individual research project
- Work 40 hours a week with some overtime during summer
Research Project
As part of this internship, we try to have students complete an independent research project. Our goal is to provide each intern with a project that matches with their career path and provides them something to show future employers. Project areas include genetics, genomics, and precision agriculture.Position Requirements:
- Pursuing a bachelor’s degree related to biology, genetics, agriculture, or other related fields
- Capable of working long days outdoors during summer
- Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures and verbal instruction
- Experience using Excel and other computer programs
- Has proven self-motivation and ability to work well with others
- Interest in learning research techniques and practical skills in agriculture
About us
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. Our job is finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. Here are a few numbers to illustrate the scope of our organization:- 690 research projects within 15 National Programs
- 2,000 scientists and post docs
- 6,000 other employees
- 90+ research locations, including overseas laboratories
- $1.1 billion fiscal year budget