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  • Research Microbiologist

    Mar 7, 2016 4:30 pm by pwakefie@illinois.eduJobs
    Job Title:  Research Microbiologist (Postdoctoral Research Associate)
    Department:  Department Of Agriculture
    Agency:  Agricultural Research Service
    Job Announcement Number:  RA-16-026-H

    SALARY RANGE:
    $59,246.00 to $77,019.00 / Per Year
    OPEN PERIOD:
    Monday, March 7, 2016 to Monday, March 6, 2017
    SERIES & GRADE:
    GS-0403-11
    POSITION INFORMATION:
    Full-Time - Temporary
    PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
    11
    DUTY LOCATIONS:
    1 vacancy - Pendleton, OR   View Map
    WHO MAY APPLY:

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

    SECURITY CLEARANCE:
    Other
    SUPERVISORY STATUS:
    No

    JOB SUMMARY:

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

     

    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.

    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

     The initial appointment will be for 2 years with a possible extension up to 4 years.

    **ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR March 6, 2017**

     

    TRAVEL REQUIRED

    • Occasional Travel
    • Occasion travel to meetings

    RELOCATION AUTHORIZED

    • No

    KEY REQUIREMENTS

    • A Ph.D. is required that was obtained within the last four years
    • Appropriations Law and Immigration Law requirements must be met
    • Pre-employment fingerprint check with successful adjudication is required

    DUTIES:

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    The mission of the Soil and Water Conservation Research Unit in Pendleton is to serve the public by providing scientific information that improves practices, techniques, and equipment for dryland crop production. Research focuses on precision agriculture, soil and water conservation, sustainable agriculture, global climate change, and crop diversification in the Columbia Plateau and related land resource areas. For more information on the research unit, please see http://ars.usda.gov/pwa/swcr.

    The postdoctoral research associate will determine the soil microbiological basis for rotational benefits of wheat- Brassica sp. (oilseeds) cropping in dryland crop production systems. The project will rely on molecular methods, soil enzyme analyses, microscopy, planting experiments and determination of soil physical and chemical characteristics. The incumbent will develop hypotheses based on current literature, design and conduct experiments, perform work in the laboratory and in the field, analyze data, and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals.

     

     

    QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

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    This position requires a recent Ph.D in microbiology or microbial ecology 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.

    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 for the 0403 series are as follows: Degree in microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent.
    OR a combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional 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.

     

     

    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.

     

    •  Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.

    HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

    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".


    To view the application form, visit: https://ars.usda.ntis.gov/cp/?event=jobs.previewApplication&jobid=2E5B65E7-F2CA-448B-8454-A59F00D99E83

     

    BENEFITS:

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    A Benefits Package will be authorized for appointments made for a period of more than one year.

    The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at: http://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/enrollment/new-federal-employee-enrollment/


    OTHER INFORMATION:

    •  BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND FINGERPRINT CHECK:  Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check) and a background investigation.

    HOW TO APPLY:

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    Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate address and/or facsimile number listed below:

    Mail: Dr. Catherine Reardon
             48037 Tubbs Ranch Road
              Adams, OR  97810

    E-mail:  catherine.reardon@ars.usda.gov

    Fax: 541-278-4372

    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.

    REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

    • A resume should be provided. It should include relevant work experience (start/end dates stated in month/year, description of duties and salary), applicable education at a minimum, and your contact information. For current or previous Federal employees, it should also include the Pay Plan, Series and Grade for each work experience entry.
    • Please provide a copy of your College transcript(s) which support those qualifications for which you wish to have considered.

    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.

     

    AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

    Leslie Leigh
    Phone: 602-679-4623
    Fax: 970-492-7034
    Email: leslie.leigh@ars.usda.gov
    Agency Information:
    USDA/ARS
    5601 Sunnyside Ave
    Beltsville, MD,
    20705
    US
    Fax: 970-492-7034

    WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

    Applications will be received and reviewed for consideration until a selection has been made.

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