This position is located within the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plant Science Research Unit in Raleigh, NC. In this position you will be participating in research related to plant breeding or plant genetics; using computational approaches to analyze biological data; and preparing and maintaining large datasets.

Duties

Provides general genotyping support to scientists in the unit. Works closely with researchers in identification and development of new techniques for genotyping cereals. Analyzes plant breeding or plant genetic material (DNA, RNA) to understand genetic architecture of traits. Selects appropriate computational analyses, methods, and tools for data analyses and visualization; and with supervisor or collaborators assists in the interpretation of molecular biological data. Conducts bioinformatics analyses with strategic selection of bioinformatics software and tools and meaningful interpretation and compilations of analytical results. Applies molecular wet-lab techniques, current sequencing technologies and quality control procedures to generate reproducible and accurate genomic data. Uses genomic tools and databases using programming and script languages in support of assigned genomic research projects including programming languages such as Python, R, Perl, Java or SQL. Maintains databases for wheat germplasm lines, genotyping data, exome capture data, marker and haploblock-trait associations, and provides appropriately formatted data to end-users as required. Utilizes genomic data collection techniques, databases, and analysis programs. Collaborates with unit researchers to apply data mining methods to wheat genotypic and phenotypic data to identify and validate important marker-trait and haploblock-trait associations.

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 one year probationary period, unless previously served.
• 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 https://www.e-verify.gov

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Basic Requirements: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet the following minimum qualification requirements: GS-09 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is participating in research related to plant breeding or plant genetics; using computational approaches to analyze biological data; and preparing and maintaining large datasets. OR Education:2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree, if related. Related degrees may include Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Biology, Crop Science, Plant breeding, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics or closely related field (Any degree listed must have an emphasis on Computational Biology or Bioinformatics). OR I have a combination of graduate education and specialized experience as describe above. GS-11 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is conducting research related to plant breeding or plant genetics; developing and applying new techniques related to genomic data collection; using computational approaches to analyze biological data; preparing and maintaining detailed records of procedures; and developing visualizations for scientific publications and presentations. OR Education: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; if directly related. Related degrees may include Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Biology, Crop Science, Plant breeding, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics or closely related field (Any degree listed must have an emphasis on Computational Biology or Bioinformatics). OR I have a combination of graduate education and specialized experience as describe above. 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.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Kendra Bledsoe
• Phone: 7032599425
• Email: [email protected]