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  • Research Chemist

    Mar 7, 2016 4:45 pm by pwakefie@illinois.eduJobs

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    Job Title:  RESEARCH CHEMIST - Postdoctoral Research Associate
    Department:  Department Of Agriculture
    Agency:  Agricultural Research Service
    Job Announcement Number:  RA-16-010-H

    SALARY RANGE: $58,562.00 to $76,131.00 / Per Year
    OPEN PERIOD: Friday, December 18, 2015 to Friday, December 16, 2016
    SERIES & GRADE: GS-1320-11
    POSITION INFORMATION: Full-Time - Temporary
    PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 11
    DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy - Fargo, ND   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

    **ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR December 16, 2016.**

     

    TRAVEL REQUIRED

    • Not Required

    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 incumbent will be assigned to the Animal Metabolism-Agricultural Chemicals Research Unit of the Biosciences Research Laboratory in Fargo, ND.  The mission of the unit is to investigate the fate of agricultural chemicals and environmental pollutants in food animals and food animal systems in support of maintaining a safe food supply.  The research assignment will include (1) the synthesis of radioisotope-labeled target molecules, including brominated flame retardants, and (2) executing the studies on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of target molecules in farm animals, not limited to poultry, swine and cattle.  Research is conducted under the auspices of National Program 108, Food Safety.

     

    QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

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    This position requires a Ph.D in chemistry, organic 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.

    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 educational requirement for this position are: A degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics or a combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, 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.

     

    If you are newly hired, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" system. Federal law requires the use of E-VERIFY to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. Under this system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.

    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=B46D1C89-45E6-4AB6-A69D-A56E00AC4441

     

    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.

    This position has a not-to-exceed date of two (2) years from the original appointment.  It may be extended up to a maximum of 4 years.

    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. Heldur Hakk
             USDA/ARS Biosciences Research Laboratory
             1605 Albrecht Blvd. 
             Fargo, ND  58102-2765

    E-mail:  Heldur.Hakk@ars.usda.gov

    Fax: 701-239-1430

    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:

    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,
    21122
    USA
    Fax: 970-492-7034

    WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

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