Research Biologist/Ecologist/Soil Scientist (Post Doc)

Summary The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency and one of the world's premiere scientific organizations. ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientist's research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture. This position is with the Wind Erosion and Water Conservation Research Unit, In Lubbock, TX. ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR 2/28/2023 Responsibilities Characterize the response of soil health indicators (chemical, physical and biological) from different management practices, soil types, and climate zones, and ecologies; Participate as a team member with the soil biology group of ARS involved in this project, and collaborate directly with researchers in data packaging, analysis and dissemination; Conduct certain laboratory analyses as well as work with data management tools for the complex data generated including bioinformatics, statistics, and metadata analyses; Identify soil health indexes that can be applied across the nation for soil health assessment. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications This position requires a recent Ph.D (obtained within the last 4 years) in biology, soil science, biogeochemistry, statistics or a related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard's requirements of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Natural Resources and General Biology (0401); Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, 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. Ecology (0408): Degree: biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences. Soil Science (0470): Degree: soil science or a closely related discipline that included 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in soil science or a related discipline that included at least 30 semester hours in the biological, physical, or earth sciences. At least 15 of these semester hours must have been in the areas specified in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Experience: In addition to the education requirement, applicants should have knowledge of or experience in soil health, soil biology and ecological contributors to soil health. Education This position has a positive education requirement. You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position. If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty. Application materials will not be returned. A Ph.D. is required that was obtained within the last four years Additional Information 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. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.