This position is located in the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Sugarcane Research Unit in Houma, Louisiana. In this position, you will be planning and conducting experiments; analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting results; and preparing reports of research results in the form of manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings.

Duties

Identify germplasm of hybrid sugarcane and wild relatives of sugarcane for resistance to economically limiting diseases that breeders can use for parental clones. Determine molecular and biological characteristics of economically important sugarcane pathogens that can be used as effective diagnostic protocols. Monitor genetic changes in critical pathogen populations and the potential emergence of new pathogens using pathogen surveys. Examine technologies for managing diseases in the absence of resistant cultivars, including chemical control. Utilize new technologies including molecular biology and remote sensing. Collaborate with geneticists to pursue multiple approaches that involved host-plant resistance or cultural practices based on studies of etiology and epidemiology of the disease.

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.
• 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
• Successful completion of a three year probationary period.

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 Plant Pathology Series, 0434 Degree: plant pathology; or a related scientific discipline that included at least 20 semester hours in basic botany or plant science, and 10 semester hours in plant pathology. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: Conducting research related to plant pathogens including defining research problems and developing research plans; collecting and evaluating experimental data related to plant pathogens; using plant pathological, microbiological, molecular, or plant physiological techniques; and publishing original research in peer-reviewed scientific journals in plant pathology, molecular biology, genetics, or plant physiology. GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: Conceiving, planning, and conducting independent and collaborative research related to plant pathogens including defining research problems and developing research plans; collecting and evaluating experimental data related to plant pathogens; evaluating and using plant pathological, molecular biological, microbiological or plant physiological techniques; presenting research results at professional meetings, and publishing independent research findings in peer-reviewed journals in plant pathology, molecular biology, genetics, or plant physiology; and providing guidance to technicians and stakeholders in accomplishing research objectives. 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. To further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral. Also, please submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications. 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 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Kendra Bledsoe
• Phone: 7032599425
• Email: [email protected]