This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Northeast Area (NEA), National Cold-Water Marine Aquaculture Center located in Orono, Maine. In this position, you will serve as a resource for data management and computational analyses integrating genetic, genomic, phenotypic and environmental information to increase production efficiency of Atlantic salmon and other cold-water fish species.

Duties

Supports the development of genomic predictions to improve traits of economic importance and genome wide association studies to identify causative genome variants. Supports research that encompasses genetics, genomics, statistics, biometrics, bioinformatics, and computational strategies used to associate animal phenotypes with their underlying genetic make-up. Supports de-novo genome assemblies and de-novo genome annotations to generate a reference pan-genome for Atlantic salmon. Supports the development of content for structural genome variants genotyping in Atlantic salmon. Supports functional analyses of transcriptomics datasets including but not limited to differential expression of transcripts abundance and alternative splice variants. Works collaboratively with Unit scientists in providing computational, bioinformatics, statistical analysis techniques, big data procedures, and data mining activities in support of the development of research design and data analysis. Applies knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., R, Python) and/or programming languages (e.g. FORTRAN, C/C++, C#, Perl) for the analyses of data sets. Develops scripts to link various software programs and establishes appropriate quality control procedures for high-throughput data systems. Maintains and curates ARS sequence and genotypes data archives, facilitating large scale data transfers between ARS and collaborators. Maintains bioinformatics servers and operating systems in accordance with current state-of-the-art for bioinformatics analyses. Provides technical and administrative supervision and training of assigned support personnel including temporary employees, post docs, graduate students, and students.

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. Basic Requirements for Biologist (Computational/Bioinformatics series, (0401): 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. Basic Requirements for Data Scientist series, (1560): Degree: a bachelor's degree or higher in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. OR Combination of education and experience:Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. GS-12: 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-12 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-11 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 translating large data sets into technological solutions; conducting bioinformatics and other computational analyses; and analyzing data sets of different sizes through scientifically accepted algorithms to solve complex agricultural problems. GS-13: 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-13 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-12 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 analyzing and interpreting Big Data from a wide variety of agricultural, chemical or biological fields; applying bioinformatics algorithms to detect and analyze variation and patterns biological or agricultural data; and designing new bioinformatics algorithms to detect and analyze genetic variations. GS-14: 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-13 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-12 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 applying a combination of computational and machine learning methods to Big Data to identify new insights; establishing quality control procedures for high-throughput data systems; and designing new bioinformatics algorithms to detect and analyze genetic variations in agricultural data. 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 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Jared Foret
• Phone: 7032599390
• Email: [email protected]