These positions are assigned to the Vegetable Crops Research Unit located in Madison, WI. The unit conducts fundamental and applied research on the genetics, cytogeneticist, systematics, molecular biology, and breeding strategies of vegetable crops, specifically carrots and onions. The incumbent serves as a scientist on a project developing germplasm enhanced for use by growers, processors, consumers, and researchers.

Duties

Phenotype, map and identify traits of critical importance for vegetable growers, seed companies, and consumers in elite population and in diverse genetics resources of carrots and onions and its relatives. Develop and release enhanced germplasm of carrots and/or onions with superior traits. Determine the genetic bases and molecular processes for biotic and abiotic resistance, growth and productivity, nutritional value, and flavor characteristics in carrots. Provide subject matter leadership and cooperate with ARS, university, and industry breeders, geneticists, and production specialists in carrying out these research objectives. Provide leadership in identifying key short - and long-term breeding goals, appropriate breeding approaches, and collaborators to deliver germplasm being developed.

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. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Minimum qualification requirements are found in the General Schedule Qualification Standards (opm.gov) Qualification requirements must be identified for each grade level advertised. Basic Requirements Genetics Series, 0440 Degree: Genetics; or one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics. GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: - Conducting research related to crop productivity, disease and pest resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, and consumer quality of carrots and/or onions; AND/OR - Publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals; AND/OR - Presenting research findings at scientific conferences or academic meetings, either in person or virtually. GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: - Conducting independent research related to crop productivity, disease and pest resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, and consumer quality of carrots and/or onions; AND/OR - Publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals; AND/OR - Presenting research findings at scientific conferences or academic meetings, either in person or virtually. - Experience supervising staff to accomplish research objectives. 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. 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: Jessica Lang
• Phone: 3092731525
• Email: [email protected]