Research Geneticist (Plants)
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Job Summary
The incumbent is a Research Geneticist (Plants) for the Corn Insect & Plant Genetics Research Unit located in Ames Iowa. Research projects focus on plant improvements which may include agronomic qualities nutritional quality increased production enhanced uses or reduction of plant pathogen pest or abiotic stress impacts using genetic/genomic approaches. Incumbent is responsible for devising planning conducting and reporting research completed under assigned research projects.
- Generate genetic knowledge and products to improve crop production and crop quality and increase U.S. capacity to produce crops of high quality with reduced farm-inputs (such as reduced pesticides water and fertilizer) and increased production.
- Produce improved crops that are more durable than what is currently present in these crops creating more stable yields increased producer profits and improved U.S. food security.
- Characterize and identify plant germplasm of interest to the research project.
- Identify and develop molecular markers for predicting performance of those markers.
- Conduct high-throughput phenotyping and genotyping to quantitatively measure and characterize variation of desirable traits in plants.
- Perform traditional breeding marker-assisted selection and genome editing.
- Utilize interdisciplinary approaches such as population biology that will inform breeding decisions and management strategies.
- Transfer knowledge tools germplasm and genetic markers to stakeholders including other breeders in industry and academia.
- Employ conventional and novel technologies to find innovative solutions to stakeholder challenges.
- Analyze interpret and report research results in the form of presentations publications and technical reports.
- You must be a US Citizen or US National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Successful completion of a three year probationary period.
- Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit E-Verify at 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 Genetics Series 0440
Degree: genetics; or one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics.
Graduate Education: Genetics or a curriculum or pattern of training that placed major emphasis on genetics. Graduate study in related fields such as agronomy horticulture animal dairy or poultry husbandry entomology microbiology plant pathology chemistry molecular and cellular biology and physiology that involved cross-training in genetics is qualifying provided it placed sufficient emphasis on genetics.
Evaluation of Education: Most students in the field take graduate work because specific training in genetics may be limited at the undergraduate level. Under these circumstances it may be necessary to evaluate undergraduate course work in genetics in one of two ways as described below to determine whether or not it is qualifying.- Courses dealing with genetics some phase of genetics or specific techniques that are applied in genetics work are acceptable. This includes courses in genetics plant or animal genetics molecular and cellular biology mathematics and statistics (as they apply to genetics) population dynamics and certain techniques such as those dealing with irradiation.
- Course work consisting of an appropriate combination of basic courses in genetics and cytology or statistics are also acceptable.
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 OR 1 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. 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 this position at the GS-12 level are:- Conducting research related to plant genetic improvement; AND
- Presenting research findings at scientific conferences or academic meetings; AND
- Publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-13 level are:- Planning and conducting research related to improving crop productivity disease and pest resistance abiotic stress tolerance or consumer quality; AND
- Presenting research findings at scientific conferences; AND
- Publishing research results as the primary author in peer-reviewed scientific journals; AND
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-14 level are:- Planning conducting and leading team research related to improving crop productivity disease and pest resistance abiotic stress tolerance and consumer quality; AND
- Presenting research findings at scientific conferences; AND
- Publishing independent research results as the primary author in peer-reviewed scientific journals; AND
- Establishing or expanding collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-15 level are:- Developing executing and managing a research program related to crop improvement; AND
- Presenting research findings at national and international scientific conferences; AND
- Publishing independent research findings related to crop improvement as the primary author in peer-reviewed scientific journals; AND
- Serving as Principal Investigator on a collaborative research grant.
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.
EducationPlease see above for education qualification requirement information.
Additional informationCONFIDENTIAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT: Federal employees are subject to prohibitions against officially dealing with outside organizations in which they have a financial interest. If hired for this position you may be required to submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of the effective date of your appointment and annually thereafter.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) Reemployment Priority List (RPL) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP RPL or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 71 out of a possible 100.
Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential. Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically. The grade level is limited only by the individuals demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology. *Final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel.
This position may be eligible to telework based upon agency policy. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
