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Plant Breeding Internship
Location: Northern Crops Science Laboratory, Fargo, ND (North Dakota State University - main campus)
Availability: Flexible during school year, Full-time during summer
Job Description:
The intern will support the Sunflower Genetics Lab, aiding in the development of public release sunflower inbred lines and participating in several side projects, including silphium domestication and perennial flax research.
Responsibilities:
Fall, Winter, and Spring:
- Assist with field notes, laboratory seed oil analysis, nursery material threshing, and harvesting.
- Receive training on specialized equipment such as NMR and GC.
- Support in greenhouse, winter nursery, and field preparation tasks.
- Participate in greenhouse pollinations and crosses.
- Work 10-20 hours per week, accommodating class schedules.
Summer:
Support technicians with planting, data collection, and plot maintenance.
Engage in various breeding methods and travel for data collection.
Potential to lead an individual research project.
Work 40 hours a week, with potential for overtime.
Position Requirements:
Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology, genetics, agriculture, or a related field.
Ability to work extended hours outdoors during the summer.
Attention to detail and adherence to procedures and instructions.
Proficiency with Excel and other computer applications. Support technicians with planting, data collection, and plot maintenance.
Self-motivated and a team player with a keen interest in learning agricultural research techniques.
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
Application Details:
Send resume to Brady Koehler