The incumbent serves as a Research Microbiologist in the Crop Bioprotection (CBP) Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, IL. Research within CBP is directed towards national needs for new biological control agents, processes, and methods for managing pests and diseases of agricultural and public health significance. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­The goal of the incumbent's research is to develop beneficial microbes as crop protection products to control insect pests.

Duties

Conduct innovative research on the discovery, production, stabilization, and formulation of microbial biopesticides for managing arthropod pests and enhancing health of one or more major food crops in the U.S., such as corn, soybean, and wheat. Discover microbial biological control agents for arthropod pests in one or more major food crops in the U.S. Determine the mode of action of beneficial microbes and improve their efficacy against arthropod pests. Optimize the nutritional and environmental conditions for large-scale production and stabilization of microbial biopesticides. Develop user-friendly and environmentally stable formulations of microbial biopesticides. Determine how environmental variables, agricultural practices, and future climate conditions might impact the stability and efficacy of microbial biopesticides. Utilize a combination of entomology, chemical engineering, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, statistics, and bioinformatics approaches to achieve research objectives. Analyze, interpret, and communicate research findings in the form of presentations, patents, research reports, and peer-reviewed journal articles.

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 3-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 Requirements for Microbiology Series, 0403 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/microbiology-series-0403/ 1. 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 2. 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. Additional Requirements: In addition to meeting the basic requirements for the series 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., degree with research focused on microbial physiology, fermentation technology, natural products chemistry, biopesticide formulation, insect or crop microbiology, insect pathology, or insect or crop molecular biology) OR 1 year (52 weeks) 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 managing arthropod pests in a food crop; AND Optimizing the production and stability of microbial biopesticides; AND Utilizing sustainable and environmentally resilient formulations for delivery of microbial biopesticides; AND Presenting research findings at scientific conferences or academic meetings, either in person or virtually; AND Publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. GS-13: Applicants must have 1 year (52 weeks) 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: Leading group efforts and conducting independent research related to managing arthropod pests in corn, soybean, or wheat; AND Optimizing the production and stability of microbial biopesticides; AND Developing sustainable and environmentally resilient formulations for delivery of microbial biopesticides; AND Presenting research findings at scientific conferences, either in person or virtually; AND Publishing research results as the primary author in peer-reviewed scientific journals; 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: Heather Lee
• Phone: 301-956-3803
• Email: [email protected]