Supervisory Research Plant Pathologist/Supervisory Research Geneticist

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS); Aberdeen (ID); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA ARS, Pacific West Area, Aberdeen, Idaho, seeks a researcher to develop tools for disease resistance screening and to map resistance genes for practical breeding applications. The role emphasizes genetic improvement of crops through advanced plant genetics and genomics.

The position requires experience in leading research on plant genetics or related fields, with ability to publish results and interact with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience in plant genetics/genomics, breeding, or pathology.
• Experience leading or contributing to research projects in crops.
• Ability to present or publish research results supporting genetic improvement of crops.

Responsibilities

• Develop tools for disease resistance screening.
• Perform genetic mapping of resistance genes.
• Apply mapped genes to resistance breeding strategies.

Skills

Plant genetics

Plant genomics

Plant breeding

Plant pathology

Data analysis

Job description

Summary

This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pacific West Area (PWA), at the Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit in Aberdeen, Idaho. In this position, you will help to develop new tools for disease resistance screening, genetic mapping of resistance genes, and practical application of mapped genes to resistance breeding.

Duties

This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pacific West Area (PWA), at the Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit in Aberdeen, Idaho. In this position, you will help to develop new tools for disease resistance screening, genetic mapping of resistance genes, and practical application of mapped genes to resistance breeding.

Requirements

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 below in the education section, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. Specialized Experience 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: Experience leading a research project focused on plant genetics or genomics, plant breeding, or plant pathology that contribute to genetic improvement of crops; Evaluating and enhancing data that increase the understanding of genetic control of crop productivity, quality, or biotic stress resistance; AND Presenting or publishing research results focused on plant genetics or genomics, plant breeding, or plant pathology that support genetic improvement of crops. GS-15: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 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-15 level of this position are: Experience managing a team for a research project focused on plant genetics or genomics, plant breeding, or plant pathology that contribute to genetic improvement of crops; Evaluating and enhancing data that increase the understanding of genetic control of crop productivity, quality, or biotic stress resistance; Presenting or publishing research results focused on plant genetics or genomics, plant breeding, or plant pathology that support genetic improvement of crops; AND Identifying and prioritizing important plant genetic or pathology research by interacting with national commodity groups, industry representatives, university scientists or other stakeholders. 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. Supervisory/Managerial Competencies - the following KSAs will also be used to evaluate candidates in the interview and selection process. 1. Ability to lead and accomplish work through others (i.e. team building, conflict management, cultural awareness, strategic thinking, technology management, and political savvy. 2. Ability to communicate with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds in a variety of situations. 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/.