The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency and one of the world's premiere scientific organizations. ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientist's research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture. **ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR DECEMBER 14, 2024

Duties

Develop a bioinformatic based strategic platform that leverages shotgun metagenome sequence data to create pan-genome assemblies. Utilize Drosophila suzukii microbiomes as a case study. Use traditional microbial culturing to create independently sequenced and closed genomes of up to 20 of the most prevalent microbes within the flies. Bin sequence reads against the host and microbial reference genomes. Explore different methods and parameters to create pangenomes and compare and assess their quality.

Requirements

• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• 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/.
• Appropriations Law and Immigration Law requirements must be met.

Qualifications

This position requires a recent Ph.D in biology, microbiology, or a related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Knowledge of current methods used in bioinformatics dealing with shotgun metagenomic data, as well as molecular biology, genetics, and microbiology is highly desirable Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard's requirements (noted below) for at least one of the scientific disciplines necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series (0401): 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 in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related disciplines appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Microbiology Series (0403): 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 Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, 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, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement. You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position. If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty. Application materials will not be returned.

A related Ph.D. is required that was obtained within the last four years.

Contacts

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