The position is in the Bio-Oils Research (BOR) Unit located within the Agricultural Research Service, Midwest Area, Peoria, IL. In this position, you will conduct research on chemical, physical, and biochemical modification of new crop oils, gums, proteins, and other plant components to support the development of new industrial and value-added commercial products.

Duties

Analyzes the compositions of plant oils. Synthesizes biobased polymers, fuels, lubricants, and additives. Measures relevant physical properties of biobased materials. Performs routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment. Maintains, calibrates, and modifies equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Keeps detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates, statistically analyzes, and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages.

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 probationary 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/

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. GS-05 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-05 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04 which 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 assisting in collecting or preparing biological or chemical samples in a laboratory environment; operating basic laboratory equipment; using software packages to record scientific data. OR Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study in an appropriate field of physical science, or that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. GS-06 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-06 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 which 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 synthesizing or characterizing biobased materials in a laboratory environment; operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory instruments and supplies; and using software packages to record and analyze scientific data related to agricultural samples. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees include Chemistry or Biochemistry. OR A combination of 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 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Tamicka Johnson
• Phone: (703) 259-9323
• Email: [email protected]