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Research Molecular Biologist (Plants) (Research Associate)

Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency and one of the world's 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.

**ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR AUGUST 5, 2022**

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents seeking U.S. Citizenship may apply.

Overview

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Job closed
Open date: 08/06/2021
Closed date: 08/05/2022
Location
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$64,649 - $84,049 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Local and domestic travel may be required to attend training and scientific meetings and conferences.
Appointment type
Temporary - 2 years
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Announcement number
RA-21MWA-L-11195005-HCL
Control number
610133800

Duties

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  • Combine molecular, genomic, and physiological measurements to characterize photosynthetic and growth traits in response to nitrogen availability.
  • Design, perform, and analyze experiments that will enable the construction of gene regulatory networks.
  • Identify regulatory factors that coordinate photosynthesis and nitrogen use and validate their role using mutant and/or transgenic plants.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • 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/.
  • Appropriations Law and Immigration Law requirements must be met.

Qualifications

This position requires a Ph.D. in biology, genetics, genomics, crop sciences, bioinformatics, physics, chemistry, 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.

Experience analyzing results and writing manuscripts is needed. Familiarity with plant physiology, in particular nitrogen metabolism and photosynthetic measurements, is desirable.

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. The requirements for this position can be found in this link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/general-natural-resources-management-and-biological-sciences-series-0401/

Education

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.

Additional information

Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.

This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.

How you will be evaluated

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".

Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply" button to the right.

To view the application form, visit:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11195005

Agricultural Research Service

Find Solutions to Agricultural Problems that Affect Americans Every Day, From Field to Table.

Agency contact information

Heather Lee
Phone
301-504-1410
Email
heather.lee@usda.gov
Address
Agricultural Research Service
5601 Sunnyside Ave
Beltsville, MD 20705
US

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