This position is located with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Kimberly, ID. In this position, you will serve as a Support Scientist for the research project involved in identification of resistant genes and other traits of interest and improve disease and pest management options through classical and molecular breeding and investigations into pathogen and pest biology.

Duties

Ensures the food supply is safe for consumers and important traits such as host resistance and disease and pest management options in crops are improved. Conducts disease screening in the field, greenhouse, and commercial storage buildings, assays to evaluate RNA interference in sugar beet plants. Participates in a coordinated cooperative effort between the USDA-ARS, university scientists, and industry partners, to improve sucrose yield and the sustainability of sugar beet production. Devises, recommends and, with the supervisor's approval, modifies new techniques to improve accuracy and efficiency or to overcome difficulties in dealing with specific systems or microorganisms.

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 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 Requirements A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 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 participating in research related to plants; conducting screening for disease and pest resistance; and collecting data from analysis of laboratory, greenhouse, or field research. 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 Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Crop Science, Agronomy, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or Environmental Science. OR A combination of qualifying education and experience as described 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 successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience planning, implementing, and analyzing of laboratory, greenhouse, and field research projects regarding disease and pest management options; conducting experiments to determine the mechanisms associated with disease and pest resistance; performing and interpreting complex statistical analysis; and preparing written summaries and other work products for publication in professional journals. 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 Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Crop Science, Agronomy, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or Environmental Science. OR A combination of qualifying education and experience as described above. Physical Demands: The work sometimes requires standing for prolonged periods of time or sitting in front of a laminar flow cabinet. Ability to conduct experiments with greenhouse-grown plants is also required. Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in a laboratory or in the greenhouse. Incumbent is exposed to irritant chemicals on an irregular basis; on such occasions, special safety precautions are required and the biologist uses protective clothing and gear such as laboratory coat, safety glasses and gloves. 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 800 Buchanan Street Albany, CA 94710 US
• Name: Ehila Melton
• Phone: 5716694043
• Email: [email protected]