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. This position is located on Global Change & Photosynthesis Research Unit in Urbana, Illinois. **ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR 03/12/2025**

Duties

Increase the efficiency and productivity of photosynthesis, growth, and yield of crop plants, especially in the context of global climate change and environmental uncertainty. Develop a basic model of N allocation in soybean for the BioCro model and validate with field data. Examine details of protein quality, including amino acid composition and linking genetics to protein quality and concentration in model. Identify ways to accelerate breeding of soybean meal with protein composition that is desirable for livestock production.

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 Ph.D in Biology, Genetics, Crop Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, 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. The ideal incumbent should have experience with mathematical modeling, such as with ordinary differential equation systems and computer language programming along with analyzing results and writing manuscripts. Familiarity with plant physiology, in particular, N metabolism and field experimentation is highly desirable. Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard's requirements of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Plant Physiology Series, 0435 A. Degree: botany or plant physiology; or a related scientific discipline that included at least 10 semester hours in plant physiology. General Physical Science Series, 1301 A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR B. Combination of education and experience: education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, 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.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Christina Olshawsky
• Phone: (970) 305-6708
• Email: [email protected]