The incumbent serves as a Research Molecular Biologist/Geneticist (Animals)/Animal Scientist, in the Plant Genetics Research Unit located in Columbia, Missouri. The mission of the unit is to develop new knowledge that expands understanding of the fundamental processes controlling increased production, improved quality, and enhanced uses of corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock.

Duties

Uses gene editing and other technologies to systematically alter DNA sequences predicted to improve traits to cause beneficial changes in poultry and pig production and test these changes in vitro and in vivo where warranted. Improves animal health (disease tolerance/resistance), animal reproduction, animal growth or nutritional efficiency, or animal welfare. Be a leader in the field of gene editing and solve problems in poultry and/or pig production. Analyzes, interprets, and disseminates findings in scientific peer-reviewed journal articles, presentations, and reports. Works cooperatively with other members of the team.

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: Applicants must meet the basic requirements for at least one of the 3 series listed below in addition to the minimum qualifications. General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series, 0401 A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Animal Science Series, 0487 A. Degree: animal science, dairy science, poultry science; or a related discipline or field of animal science that included at least 30 semester hours in the basic biological and agricultural sciences, and 20 semester hours in animal science. For animal scientist positions, at least 10 of the required 20 semester hours in animal science must have been in courses dealing with the breeding, feeding, production, and management of livestock, and the care and preparation of their products. For dairy scientist positions, at least 10 of the required 20 semester hours in animal science must have been in dairy science. For poultry scientist positions, at least 10 of the required 20 semester hours in animal science must have been in poultry science. OR B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in the basic biological and agricultural sciences, including a minimum of 20 semester hours in appropriate animal science subjects, as described in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Genetics Series 0440 Degree: genetics; or one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics. 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 have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related to the duties of the position (i.e. biology, animal science, genetics (animals)) OR one-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. Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-12 level are: Experience conducting independent research related to molecular biology, animal genetics, and/or animal sciences; AND Presenting research findings at scientific conferences or academic meetings; AND Experience publishing research related to molecular biology, animal science, or genetics (animals). GS-13: Applicants must have one-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: Experience planning and conducting independent research related to molecular biology, animal genetics, and/or animal sciences; AND Being invited to present research findings at scientific conferences; AND Experience publishing research in peer-reviewed scientific journals related to DNA sequence variation, livestock production, animal health (disease tolerance/resistance), animal reproduction, animal growth or nutritional efficiency, or animal welfare; AND Beginning to be nationally recognized expertise in the subject field. GS-14: Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience (defined below) equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal Service. The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-14 level are: Planning and conducting independent and collaborative research related to molecular biology, animal genetics, or animal sciences to develop new strategies and approaches; AND Experience coordinating, or leading collaborative research; AND Publishing related research results as first or corresponding author in peer-reviewed scientific journals; AND Working with stakeholders to enhance research efforts and writing grant proposals to expand existing programs; AND Nationally recognized expertise and beginning to be internationally recognized expert in the subject field. GS-15: Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience (defined below) equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level in the Federal Service. Leading a multidisciplinary team conducting research related to molecular biology, animal genetics, or animal sciences AND Being invited to present research findings at scientific conferences, either in person or virtually; AND Developing and maintaining relationships with commodity groups or other stakeholders; AND Acting as a liaison and communicating with stakeholders and translating their needs into researchable objectives; AND Internationally recognized expert in the subject field. 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 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Elsa Ayala
• Phone: 202-819-4681
• Email: [email protected]