This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plains Area, Livestock Nutrient Research Unit located in Bushland, Texas. In this position, you will be responsible for increasing biogeochemical understanding of nutrient transformations in manure and amended soil, leading to novel mathematical prediction models based on inputs such as dietary feed ingredients, enzymes and specialty ingredients, microbes, and environmental conditions.

Duties

Increasing the biogeochemical understanding of nutrient transformations in manure and soil, leading to novel mathematical prediction models. Developing novel science-based approaches to improving the circular bioeconomy. Utilizing multiple analytical spectroscopies, soil analysis techniques, laboratory incubations, chamber methods, greenhouse and field plots, statistical analyses, machine-learning, AI, digital agriculture, and life-cycle analysis. Developing a more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally friendly regional bioeconomy sector that produces and supplies meat, milk, corn, wheat, alfalfa, sorghum, cotton and other bioproducts. Improve models to predict carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and other macro- and micronutrient flows through livestock and crop production systems of the Southern High Plains

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 Chemistry Series, GS-1320 Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR Combination of education and experience: course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Basic Requirements for Physical Science Series, GS-1301 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 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. Basic Requirements for Soil Science Series, GS-0470 Degree: soil science or a closely related discipline that included 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in soil science or a related discipline that included at least 30 semester hours in the biological, physical, or earth sciences. At least 15 of these semester hours must have been in the areas specified in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements described in the education section of the announcement, 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 experimental or modeling research in the area of chemistry, physical science, or soil science focused on soil or animal systems; utilizing multiple research analysis techniques in a laboratory, greenhouse and field plot; publishing research results in peer reviewed journals related to chemistry, physical science, or soil science; and collaborating with stakeholders. 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: planning and conducting research in the area of chemistry, physical science, or soil science focused on soil or animal systems; improving understanding of mechanisms driving nutrient cycling in soils producing forage, crops, and animal production systems; publishing original research as first author in peer-reviewed scientific journals related to chemistry, physical science, or soil science; collaborating with internal and external stakeholders; and presenting research findings at professional meetings of regional stature. GS-14 Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 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-14 level of this position are: developing, planning, and conducting research in the area chemistry, physical science, or soil science focused on managing emissions from farm animal systems; improving biogeochemical research of nutrient transformations in manure and amended soil, leading to novel mathematical prediction models; publishing independent research findings as either first or senior corresponding author in peer-reviewed journals related to chemistry, physical science, or soil science focused on the mechanisms controlling nutrient cycling; establishing collaborations with internal and external stakeholders; and presenting research findings at professional meetings of national stature. 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 2150 Centre Avenue Building D, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80526 US
• Name: Matthew Knoche
• Phone: (571) 418-0373
• Email: [email protected]