Research Chemist

US-Agricultural-Research-Servic; Stuttgart (AR); On-site; USD 78,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

The USDA Agricultural Research Service's Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center in Stuttgart, AR, conducts research to improve the chemical, nutritional, and functional quality of U.S. rice.

This role involves carrying out laboratory studies, data collection, and contributing to analytical method development within a collaborative research environment. Applicants must meet the basic requirements, including specified chemistry coursework and experience; eligibility considerations are outlined

Qualifications

• Degree as described above with 30 semester hours in chemistry plus calculus and 6 hours of physics.
• OR combination of education and experience with equivalent chemistry emphasis and math coursework.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory studies to evaluate chemical, nutritional, or functional properties of agricultural materials.
• Collect and interpret research data and prepare scientific reports or publications.
• Assist with developing or improving analytical methods and collaborate on research projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical sciences or life sciences with chemistry coursework

Job description

This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center in Stuttgart, AR. In this position, you will conduct research to improve the chemical, nutritional, and functional quality of U.S. rice.

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 Requirements for Chemistry Series, 1320

• Degree: 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
• 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. 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 demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 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-12 level of this position are: Conducting laboratory studies to evaluate the chemical, nutritional, or functional properties of agricultural, food, biological, or environmental materials; collecting and interpreting research data and prepared scientific reports, presentations, or publications; and assisting with developing or improving analytical methods and working with others on research projects.
• OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related to the duties of the position. (e.g. Chemistry, Food Science, Biochemistry, Crop Science, Agronomy)
• Possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience.

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: Planning and conducting independent chemistry research involving agricultural, food, biological, or environmental materials; developing or validating analytical methods and interpreting complex scientific data; publishing research findings and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve research objectives.

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: Leading an independent research program focused on the chemical, nutritional, or functional quality of agricultural, food, biological, or environmental materials; developing analytical approaches and establishing research priorities that advanced scientific knowledge; and publishing peer-reviewed research and providing scientific leadership through collaboration with research partners and stakeholders.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace CoRL, 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.