This position is located in the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR), Renewable Product Technology Research Unit in Peoria, Illinois. The incumbent is responsible for developing biocatalysts for conversion of agriculturally derived sugars to value-added bioproducts, such as antimicrobials, fuels, and chemicals.

Duties

Utilizes genomic, transcriptomic, and/or proteomic data to design effective genetic engineering strategies to improve microbial production of high value bioproducts from agricultural sugars. Optimizes fermentation parameters to maximize production of desired bioproducts. Develops novel and advanced methodologies for screening bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi for production of desired products. Conducts purification and assays of metabolic pathway enzymes. Analyzes, interprets, and disseminates the findings in the form of reports, presentations, and publications in scientific journals. Develops and writes project plans, technology transfer agreements, and extramural research grant proposals that enhance goals to address research priorities. Provides leadership and direction to employee(s) through research meetings, discussions, and counseling. Develops a stakeholder base to advocate for enhancing research programs and enable commercialization of products. Establishes collaborations with government, academic, and industrial scientists to continually advance research progress.

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 three 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 Qualification Requirements for Microbiology Series, 0403 A. Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. OR B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Additional Requirements: In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12: Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related to the duties of the position (e.g., microbiology,molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biochemistry) 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 research related to utilizing genetic engineering to optimize microbial production of desired bioproduct, such as antimicrobials, fuels, and chemicals; AND Publishing 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: Conceiving, planning, and conducting independent and collaborative research related to utilizing genetic engineering to optimize microbial production of desired bioproduct, such as antimicrobials, fuels, and chemicals; AND Publishing research results as the primary author in peer-reviewed scientific journals; AND Being invited to present research findings at scientific conferences, either in person or virtually; AND Working with stakeholders to enhance research efforts and/or writing grant proposals to expand existing 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: Lakeisha Raybon
• Phone: (334) 344-0228
• Email: [email protected]