Research Geneticist (Plants)

Job ID:
Job date: 2014-12-15
End Date:

Company : USDA 

Country :

Role : Research Scientist 


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Job Description:

This position is in the Plant Genetics Research Unit (PGRU), Columbia, Missouri. The mission of the PGRU is to expand understanding of the fundamental processes controlling increased productivity, improved quality, and enhanced uses of corn, soybeans and wheat, and to utilize this knowledge to develop germplasm and crop management schemes that lead to increased farm profitability and sustainability of the nation's resource base. As a member of a multi-scientist project the incumbent of this position will contribute to a broad-based, multidisciplinary research effort to discover, develop and refine genetic, genomic, and bioinformatics approaches and resources in order to provide solutions to problems limiting maize productivity and utilization.

Vacant research positions may be filled at one of several grade levels depending upon the scientific impact of the person selected. A peer review may be required to determine the appropriate grade level of the position and supplemental materials may be required from the selectee.

Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential. Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically. The grade level is limited only by the individual's demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology. *Final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel.

TRAVEL REQUIRED
•Occasional Travel
•To attend meetings/conferences

RELOCATION AUTHORIZED
•Yes
•Relocation expenses may be paid

KEY REQUIREMENTS
•US Citizenship is required.
•Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
•Successful completion of a three year probationary period
•Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation

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DUTIES:
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Conduct research to identify and characterize genes, both qualitative and quantitative, affecting maize productivity. Choose systems where fundamental principles can be illuminated or utilized to develop ideas and methods that impact crop improvement across species. Specific research objectives include development of molecular genetic resources for improving genetic analysis in maize; characterization and manipulation of genetic resources for maize through the application of molecular, quantitative and statistical genetics and bioinformatics-based strategies; and contributing to improved understanding of the genetic basis of traits of importance to maize productivity. Research will involve field and laboratory efforts. Publication of research results in the form of manuscripts in peer reviewed journals and publications, and presentation at professional meetings is required.

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QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
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Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement including the following specialized experience and/or education, as identified by grade level.

Your education and experience will be evaluated against all qualification requirements (basic and any additional requirements) listed below.

Basic Requirement:

Degree in genetics; or one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics.

Additional Requirements:

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 you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: research experience which included field-based crop genetic analysis including evaluation of agronomic traits in field trials and field testing of genetic hypotheses; using molecular and quantitative genetic methods for trait analysis; using bioinformatics or computational approaches for manipulation and analysis of large-scale data sets; and publication of research results in peer-reviewed journals.

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: research experience which included field-based crop genetic analysis including evaluation of agronomic traits in field trials and field testing of genetic hypotheses; using molecular and quantitative genetic methods for trait analysis; using bioinformatics or computational approaches for manipulation and analysis of large-scale data sets; and publication of research results in peer-reviewed journals.

Applicants must address the specialized experience requirements in their resume (or application documents). Applications that do not reflect the specialized experience requirements will not be deemed qualified.

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.

To be considered for a research scientist position, you must submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Also, submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; 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 invitation); and publications.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

You will be evaluated in accordance with the category rating procedure as defined in the USDA Demonstration Project Plan. Applicants who meet the basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position will be placed in the Eligible category. Eligible applicants will be further evaluated against criteria for placement in the Quality category. This evaluation is based on the level of your experience, education, and/or training as determined by your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire and review of all written materials submitted with your application. Applicants with veterans’ preference are listed ahead of applicants who do not have veterans’ preference within each category.


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