This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Subtropical Plant Pathology Research Unit in Fort Pierce, Florida. In this position, you will research bacterial, fungal, nematode, and viral diseases of citrus, vegetables, and subtropical crops. You will improve crop production and protect citrus from diseases that threaten U.S. citrus. This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 4 years.

Duties

Support research specific to evaluate citrus germplasm (budwoods and seedlings) for citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) resistance. Participate as a team member with scientists and other technical support personnel in planning research on bacterial, viral and fungal, diseases of citrus. Test planting materials to identify resistant citrus lines from the selections of citrus bud-sports and seedlings. Test field performance of newly selected HLB-resistant/tolerant citrus lines and characterizes the molecular mechanisms related to improved HLB resistance using bioinformatics. Analyze, interpret and report results of investigations to be disseminated for widespread implementation, including publication in scientific and trade journals Utilize knowledge of scientific theories and principles which involve molecular plant pathology, microbiology, genetics, bioinformatics, and/or microbial ecology.

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.
• Successful completion of one-year trial period, unless previously served.
• 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/
• Driver’s License Required.
• Moderate Amount of Travel.

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 Education Requirements: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet the following minimum qualification requirements: Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are:Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience conducting research related to horticultural crop resistance or citrus bacteriology; developing methods of selection and evaluation to obtain resistant citrus; and analyzing and reporting research results for publication in scientific or trade journals. OR Education: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Horticulture Science, Plant Pathology, Microbiology, or Chemistry. OR A combination of qualifying education and experience as described above 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.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Todd Wagner
• Phone: 3609790689
• Email: [email protected]