PDF versionJob Summary
This position is located on United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Field Organization, Northeast Area, Plant, Soil, and Nutrition Research Unit in Ithaca, NY The purpose of this position is to serve as lead in molecular analysis of fruit cell and tissues types undergoing development, maturation and ripening to develop molecular insights helpful in designing genetic strategies for fruit improvement.
Major Duties
- Works with, crop and model plants in both laboratory and field settings to grow plants, stage tissues, apply experimental treatments and measure and quantitate plant outcomes (size, shape, yield) prior to storage or processing of tissues.
- Prepares manuscripts and written reports that describe the findings from experiments.
- Conducts market research and generates documentation for purchasing contracts for laboratory equipment and services over $25,000.00.
- Develops experimental workflows to optimize the integration of sample preparation and mass spectrometry analysis.
- Results are reported to the scientific community through oral presentations at scientific meeting, and through published refereed and non-refereed papers.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Basic Requirement:
Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. Related degrees may include Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Plant biology, Plant pathology, Botany, Plant physiology, or Chemistry.
OR
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
AND
Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position are:
GS-11:
Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience researching molecular biology of plants; and developing experimental workflows to optimize research results.
OR
Education: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include: Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Plant biology, Plant pathology, Botany, Plant physiology, or Chemistry.
OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A qualifying combination of education and experience as described above. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Demands:
The work requires walking and standing for prolonged periods of time, as well as carrying a considerable amount of equipment, plant, soil, material less than 50 pounds. Work requires sustained attention to detail, with frequent stress of short deadlines for action.
Work Environment:
Experimental work is performed primarily in a laboratory and greenhouses with some summer field work, while administrative work may be in an office setting, which may be either in or out of the laboratory. Incumbent is exposed to irritant chemicals; on such occasions, special safety precautions are required, and the scientist uses protective clothing and gear such as laboratory coat, safety glasses and gloves.
Pay Range
$64,009.00 - $83,210.00