PDF versionJob Summary
The incumbent serves as a Research Molecular Biologist at the Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory (BCIRL) in Columbia, Missouri. The unit mission is to discover, develop and refine principles and methods to effectively use biological control agents for the management of pest populations of insects and weeds.
Major Duties
- Conducts research to improve the efficacy of beneficial insect species and other potential biological control agents.
- Coordinates scientific activities related to research to improve beneficial insects and/or insect cells.
- Collaborates with other ARS, university and private sector scientists to build a multi-disciplinary team necessary for this research.
- Analyzes, interprets and disseminates the findings in the form of reports, presentations and publications in scientific journals.
- Uses molecular, proteomic, and genomic tools to improve the efficacy of selected beneficial insects.
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. General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series, 0401
Basic Requirements: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12: Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related to the duties of the position (i.e. biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology) OR one-year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (defined below) equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal Service OR a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience; Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled.
The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-12 level are: Experience developing and executing a research plan in molecular biology, and evaluating results related to studies on insects or insect cell lines; experience using methodologies, such as generating and annotating transcriptomes, gene editing and bioinformatics to create changes in gene expression in insects or insect cell lines; and experience publishing research in peer-reviewed scientific journals related to molecular biology. 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 - $99,741.00