This position is located in the United States Department of Agricultural (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southeast Area, Gainesville, Florida. In this position, you will be responsible for preparing nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) from ants other insects, and pathogens for molecular analyses; designing and performing a variety of laboratory and field experiments with insects; and developing new techniques for achieving required laboratory objectives.

Duties

Design and perform a variety of laboratory and field experiments with insects. Develop new techniques for achieving required laboratory objectives. Purify, quantify, and evaluate proteins by various methods. Amplify, clone, and prepare plasmids for sequencing or manipulation.

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
• Obtain and maintain a motor vehicle or commercial drivers' license.

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 Degree: entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major that included course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND in addition to meeting the basic education requirement above, all applicants must meet the following minimum qualification requirements: GS-11 Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. 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 experience leading field and laboratory experiments related to insects, pathogens, or parasites; preparing scientific or technical reports based on research findings; and managing laboratory equipment and supplies. OR Education: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Related degrees may include Entomology. OR A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described 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. Physical Demands Work is performed in laboratory, office, and field settings. Outdoor work may be conducted in conditions of high heat and humidity and may require lifting and carrying of supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. The indoor work involves the use of microscopes and computers and requires extended periods of sitting and visual conditions that strain the eyes. Work Environment The outdoor work involves exposure to occasional high temperatures (>34C). There will be some exposure to radionuclides, insecticides, organic solvents, biochemical poisons, strong acids and bases. Additionally, ultracentrifugation with forces generated in excess of 150,000g, high pressure gases and ultraviolet light will be used. Proper safety precautions, including the use of fume hoods, protective clothing, and safety glasses must be observed at all times. The noise level in the laboratory is moderate to high.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Ehila Melton
• Phone: 5716694043
• Email: [email protected]