The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the USDA'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 with the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), Clay Center, Nebraska. **ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR August 2, 2023**

Duties

Investigate the prevalence and distribution of species in the respiratory microbiome and virome associated with Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) in beef herds Employ next-generation sequencing, third-generation sequencing, bioinformatic technologies, and high throughput sensitive and rapid diagnostics to identify respiratory viral and bacterial agents associated with BRD. Plan and carry out laboratory experiments, conduct statistical and bioinformatic analyses, interpret results, and report original research on bacterial and viral pathogens associated with BRD.

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 genetics or bioinformatics 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.

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.

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.

GS - 0440 Genetics - A degree in genetics or one of the basic biological or computational sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics OR Graduate Education in Genetics, or a curriculum or pattern of training that placed major emphasis on genetics. Graduate study in related fields such as, microbiology, chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, mathematics, computer science, engineering, and physiology that involved cross-training in genetics is qualifying, provided it placed sufficient emphasis on genetics.

Due to the research nature of this position, a PhD is required.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 2150 Centre Avenue Building D, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80526 US
• Name: Kent Amott
• Phone: 970-492-7037
• Email: [email protected]