The National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) is responsible for multi-disciplinary research related to wildlife damage management and wildlife disease mitigation. The incumbent will serve as a Computational Geneticist in the Wildlife Genetics Project. The principal roles of the position will be associated with applying and developing novel analyses to address applied questions using genomic data.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Integrate population genetic, statistical analysis, bioinformatics, and population simulations to address applied wildlife management questions. Primary data types include (in order of frequency): high density single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) genotypes, whole genome sequences, reduced representation genotypes (e.g., RADseq, hybrid capture). From non-model species, short-read amplicon sequences, microsatellite genotypes, and mtDNA sequences. Integrate established genetic analysis methods and develop new statistical analysis techniques to address novel questions in the field of human wildlife conflict. Contribute to the development of computational workflows/analysis pipelines so that robust analyses can be conducted efficiently to inform management actions. Work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with an opportunity to mentor junior colleagues.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male 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 one-year trial period.
• All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.

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 REQUIREMENT: 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. In addition to the above, applicants must also have: FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience analyzing large (>1000 individuals) genomic datasets produced with high-resolution genomic approaches (e.g., high-density SNP arrays, Whole Genome Sequencing, RADseq, or other approaches based on Next Generation Sequencing). Proficiency developing computer code is required with specific expertise in R, Linux/Unix bash scripting, and use of HPC schedule managers. Demonstrated experience applying statistical analyses to genomic data and translating results to management recommendations. Proficiency conducting genetically explicit simulations. Proven publication record represented by first author papers in the topic of applied wildlife genetics. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Wildlife Ecology/Biology, Genetics, Conservation Biology, or Fisheries Ecology/Biology. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]