PDF versionJob Summary
This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory with one vacancy in Poplarville, Mississippi.
Major Duties
- Provide expertise in the areas of breeding, genetics, cytogenetics, and reproductive biology of ornamentals.
- Areas of research pertinent to this position include (1) development of new ornamental cultivars with commercial merit, improved horticultural traits and enhanced tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses;
- (2) enhance the efficiency, productivity, and quality of ornamentals; and (3) address the industry needs and concerns related to production issues such as propagation, irrigation, greenhouse and nursery substrates, and nutrient requirements
- Scientist is responsible for determining experimental approach, analysis methods, interpretation and dissemination of results in forms of reports, presentations, and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Scientist is expected to participate in the development, writing and implementation of the project plan and annual reports and works with other project members.
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. In addition to meeting the basic requirements described in the education section, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. At the 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 applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: Experience in evaluation of new ornamental cultivars as well as development of improved traits. Conducted team and independent research on plant genetics, biology, or horticulture and presented research results on professional meetings, and published research findings to peer review Journals. At the 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: 1) Conceived, designed, planned, led, coordinated, conducted research in plant genetics, biology, or horticulture; 2) Developed new and improved methods of cultivar selection for tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses in ornamental programs, 3) Used the improved methods and technologies to screen breeding populations for resistance to diseases and tolerance to environmental stresses; 4) Collected and analyzed research data,interpreted results to growers, and published research findings as primary author in peer reviewed journals, and developed management practices and strategies that improved economic profitability. At the GS-14: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 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-14 level of this position are: 1) Leading the research project as a key scientist; 2) Producing publications as the primary author for those that impact the advancement of the field of molecular genetics or are viewed as authoritative; 3) Conceiving and formulating research ideas and methodologies that advance the field of molecular genetic science or are used as an important reference by other scientists; 4) Experience participating in Symposia that define the state of the genetics or introduce new areas in the field; 5) Experience well communicating with stakeholder organizations and translating industry needs into researchable activities; and 6) Efficiently managing and balancing research programs, including personnel, equipment, and fiscal resources. 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.
To be considered for this 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. 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.
Pay Range
$76,721.00 - $140,146.00