Molecular Biologist (Research Associate)

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 affecting American agriculture. This position is located with the Temperate Tree Fruit & Vegetable Research Unit in Wapato, WA. ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR NOVEMBER 21, 2022 Responsibilities Conduct molecular genetics and genomics research on insects and the plant pathogens they transmit. Setting up insect bioassays, sampling insects, extracting genetic material and preparing samples for transcriptomic sequencing. Responsible for analyzing and interpreting transcriptomic and genomic datasets. Involved with developing RNA interference effector materials and conducting experimental insect bioassays with these materials. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications This position requires a Ph.D in Biology, Entomology, Molecular Biology, Genetics or Genomics is required, 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. BASIC REQUIREMENTS GS-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. In addition to the basic requirements listed above, you must possess one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or its non-federal equivalent that provided you with the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position. Examples of that experience include Skills and abilities related to management and analysis of genomic or transcriptomic datasets are required. Skills and abilities related to standard molecular biology laboratory work is required. Knowledge and experience related to conducting insect bioassays is desirable. 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. Additional Information To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to E.O. 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine. 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.