PDF versionJob Summary
The incumbent is a Research Molecular Biologist at the USDA-ARS Application Technology Research Unit (ATRU) in Toledo, OH. ATRU scientists conduct fundamental and applied research on the health and quality of ornamental and edible crops produced in controlled environment agricultural systems.The research requires novel multidisciplinary approaches of horticulture, agriculture and molecular biology to improve production systems in controlled environments.
Major Duties
- Develop a new research program on advancing the efficiency and productivity of controlled environment agriculture.
- Use biochemical and physiological techniques to improve plant growth in and adaptability to controlled environments.
- Works with modern biochemistry and molecular biology methods, including but not limited to various methods of chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy and nucleic acid and protein analyses.
- 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.
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, plant biology, plant physiology, horticulture, greenhouse technology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, agriculture, 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 related to molecular, physiological and/or biochemical response of plants to controlled environments and evaluating results; and
Experience publishing research as lead author in peer-reviewed scientific journals related to plant biology, horticulture, molecular biology and/or plant physiology. GS-13: Applicants must have one-year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (defined below) equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal Service. The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-13 level are:
Experience as a principal investigator coordinating a national or international team of collaborators conducting research on the molecular, physiological and/or biochemical response of plants to controlled environments, and evaluating results;
Experience utilizing available molecular biology tools and developing novel techniques for improving the viability of agricultural crops; and
Experience publishing research as lead author in peer-reviewed scientific journals related to molecular, physiological and/or biochemical response of plants to controlled environments, with evidence that scholarly publications have led to adoption of concepts and/or techniques by science and/or industry. 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.
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 - $118,603.00