This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/436469800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agricultures chief scientific research agency and one of the worlds premiere scientific organizations. ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientist's research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture.
The Crop Bioprotection Research Unit in Peoria, IL is seeking a Research Microbiologist/Molecular Biologist/Plant Pathologist (Research Associate) to conduct plant, microbial and molecular level studies of endophytes being evaluated to improve the agronomic traits of wheat. The assignment is to evaluate the ability of novel endophytes to serve as plant growth promoters or alter wheat phenotype in a beneficial way, such as enhanced insect resistance or abiotic stress tolerance. This research is a component of ARS National Program 304, Crop Protection and Quarantine.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents who meet certain eligibility requirements
Additional information on the employment of non-citizens can be found at: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/EmployForeignNationals/index.htm
**ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR (April 19, 2017)**
This is an Excepted Service, time-limited appointment with an initial duration of 2 years.
04/20/2016 to 04/17/2017
$59,246 - $77,019 per year
GS 11
1 vacancy in the following location:
Occasional travel - To attend scientific meetings and conferences.
No
Temporary
Full-Time
11
0401 General Natural Resources Management And Biological Sciences
No
RA-16-039-H
436469800
The incumbent will conduct plant, microbial and molecular level studies of endophytes being evaluated to improve the agronomic traits of wheat. The assignment is to evaluate the ability of novel endophytes to serve as plant growth promoters or alter wheat phenotype in a beneficial way, such as enhanced insect resistance or abiotic stress tolerance. The incumbent will evaluate endophyte inoculation methods and isolates on their ability to successfully colonize wheat. The incumbent will evaluate the agronomic growth parameters of wheat successfully inoculated with these endophytes.
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents seeking U.S. Citizenship.
Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
This position requires a recent (within the last 4 years) Ph.D in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Plant Pathology or a related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Knowledge of microbial culture and inoculation methods for endophyes, and PCR based detection assays are desirable. The incumbent will also be required to perform plant based assays to evaluate the plant’s phenotype.
Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard's requirements of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Basic Requirements can be found at:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/general-natural-resources-management-and-biological-sciences-series-0401/
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/microbiology-series-0403/
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/plant-pathology-series-0434/
This position has a positive education requirement. You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position. If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty. Application materials will not be returned.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Foreign education must be evaluated by an approved organization. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education web site at http://www.ed.gov. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. See more information at: http://www.chcoc.gov/transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=6465
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated to determine if you meet eligibility and minimum qualification requirements, and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position as defined above under "Qualifications".
If application packages do not contain all of the requested information, you may lose consideration for the job. To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate. Some of the items listed may not apply to you. NOTE: Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be considered.
APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST
__ Resume, Curriculum Vitae, or other document outlining your qualifications
The following information is required of all applicants:
__ Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position
__ Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)
__ Indicate country of citizenship __Copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Only if claiming veterans preference. Visit the following web site for additional information: http://www.opm.gov/employ/veterans/html/vetguide.asp)
__SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) plus the supporting documentation required by this form (if claiming 10-point veteran's preference). Visit http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp to obtain the form.
As an Applicant for a Postdoctoral Research Associate Position, you must also submit the following:
__ A one-page abstract of Ph.D. dissertation
__ A resume of any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitations); and publications.
__ A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, and recognition.
If this is your first time applying for a federal job, or if you wish to view more detailed information about various aspects of applying for federal jobs, go to http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate address and/or facsimile number listed below:
Mail:
Dr. Christopher Dunlap
USDA/ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research
1815 N. University St, Peoria, IL 61604
E-mail: christopher.dunlap@ars.usda.gov
Fax: 309-681-6693
If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send zipped files. They will be removed in accordance with standard electronic security procedures.
Applications will be received and reviewed for consideration until a selection has been made.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/436469800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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