Research Plant Physiologist

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS); Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Fort Collins, CO, seeks a scientist to acquire, evaluate, preserve, and distribute plant germplasm resources and associated technologies. The role supports Center for Agricultural Resources Research and PA processes in the Plains Area.

Qualifications include botany/plant physiology education with advanced degrees or relevant experience. Opportunities to contribute to vital plant science research are available in a collaborative, federally funded

Qualifications

• Basic requirements include a botany or plant physiology degree with at least 10 semester hours in plant physiology.
• GS-12 requires one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level or a Ph.D./equivalent doctoral degree.
• GS-13 requires one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service.

Responsibilities

• Acquire, evaluate, preserve, and distribute plant germplasm resources and research technologies.
• Contribute to ongoing plant physiology and genetics research projects.
• Present information to professional organizations and colleagues as required.

Education

Botany or Plant Physiology degree

Ph.D. or related graduate degree in plant science

10 semester hours in plant physiology coursework

Job description

Summary

This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area (PA), Center for Agricultural Resources Research in Fort Collins, CO. In this position, you will acquire, evaluate, preserve, and distribute critical plant germplasm resources and research technologies to improve these critical functions.

Duties

This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area (PA), Center for Agricultural Resources Research in Fort Collins, CO. In this position, you will acquire, evaluate, preserve, and distribute critical plant germplasm resources and research technologies to improve these critical functions.

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 Requirements for 0435 series Degree: botany or plant physiology; or a related scientific discipline that included at least 10 semester hours in plant physiology. 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 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: contributing to a research project related to Plant Physiology or Clonal Plant Production; and producing publications as the primary author or contributor that fill in gaps in an existing theory or framework. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Related degrees may include Agronomy, Botany, Ecology, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Physiology, Crop Production, Clonal Production, Plant Cryobiology, or Microbiology. OR Combination of graduate level education and experience as described above. 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: collecting and curating plant genetic samples, identifying critical problems facing the genetics industry and conducts research to solve these problems, and presenting information to professional organizations (e.g., societies, academia, industry) within and outside of the organization on technical matters and practices in the area of specialization. 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 further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral. Also, please 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. Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Our job is finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. What we do matters in science and the world. For more information about Agricultural Research Service, go to https://www.ars.usda.gov/.