Incumbent is a Research Geneticist (Plants) in the Soybean/Maize Germplasm, Pathology, and Genetics Research Unit, Urbana, IL. Incumbent's research focuses on genetics, diversity, and breeding of soybean and related Glycine species, including responsibility for previously developed disease resistant germplasm, including germplasm for the management of Asian soybean rust. The USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection functions out of the same Research Unit providing opportunities for collaboration.

Duties

Develop new knowledge on the nature and inheritance of important traits in soybean and produce enhanced germplasm exhibiting those traits. Develop improved germplasm with increased yield and climate resilience qualities that emphasize biotic and abiotic traits and analyze genetic mapping populations in parallel with this effort. Utilize exotic soybean (Glycine max), wild soybean (Glycine soja) and wild perennial Glycine species to identify important introgressed genomic regions and determine the impact of the introgressions on soybeans agronomic performance. Conduct genetic diversity analysis among soybean accessions to aid in the management and utility of the soybean germplasm collection. Conduct genome wide association mapping, among others to elucidate the genotype-phenotype interactions observed among soybean germplasm accessions. Collaborate with scientists, research community, and stakeholder groups to accomplish research objectives and technology transfer of research findings to develop improved soybean germplasm. Analyze, interpret, and report results in publications, at workshops, and at professional society meetings.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of a 3-year probationary period.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Basic Requirement for Geneticist Series, 0440 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/genetics-series-0440/ Degree: genetics; or one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics. Additional Requirements: In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. GS-12: Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related to the duties of the position (e.g., plant genetics or plant breeding) OR 1 year of specialized experience (defined below) equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal Service OR a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience. The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-12 level are: Conducting independent genetics research related to the introgression of improved traits of a commodity row crop (e.g., corn, soybean, wheat, cotton, sorghum, etc.); AND Publishing plant genetics research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals; AND Presenting research findings at scientific conferences or academic meetings, either in person or virtually. GS-13: Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience (defined below) equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal Service. The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-13 level are: Leading collaborative efforts and conducting independent genetics research related to the introgression of improved traits of a soybean row crop; AND Collecting and evaluating experimental data related to genetic mapping, diversity analysis, and genetically diverse soybean or relatives; AND Publishing plant genetics research results as the primary author in peer-reviewed scientific journals; AND Presenting plant genetics research findings at scientific conferences, either in person or virtually; AND Working with stakeholders to enhance plant genetics research efforts and/or writing grant proposals to expand existing plant genetics research programs. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Heather Lee
• Phone: 301-956-3803
• Email: [email protected]