Research Plant Pathologist - (Postdoctoral Research Associate) Job in FT. Pierce - 91648377 - ZALESUDOZDIA6

Job Title:
Research Plant Pathologist - (Postdoctoral Research Associate)

Department:
Department Of Agriculture

Agency:
Agricultural Research ServiceSub

Agency:
Subtropical Plant Pathology Research Unit

Job Announcement Number:
RA-11-006-H

SALARY RANGE:
$57,408.00 - $89,450.00 /year

OPEN PERIOD:
Monday, October 25, 2010 to Monday, October 24, 2011
SERIES & GRADE:GS-0434-11/12

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full-Time  Temporary position not to exceed 2 years with a possible extension up to 2 years

DUTY LOCATIONS:
1 vacancy - FT. Pierce, FL

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
Applications will be accepted from both US Citizens and Non-Citizens as allowed by appropriations and statute.  For more information on citizenship restrictions log onto: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/jobs/VISA/Countries.htm

JOB 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 organization.  ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientist's research on agricultural problems of high national priority effecting American agriculture.  

**ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPENED UNTIL FILLED OR OCTOBER 24, 2011**

Additional Duty Location Info:
1 vacancy - FT. Pierce, FL

The incumbent will: 1) Develop and standardize qPCR protocols that will detect and type the population dynamics of the Las bacterial complex in seedlings from different varieties of citrus; 2) Obtain the seed-transmitted Las bacterium using an antibody based isolation technique that will enrich for these low titer bacteria; 3) Conduct complete genome sequencing using 454 pyrosequencing on the DNA extracted from the isolated Las bacteria and; 4) Identify putative 'pathogenic islands' or important effectors by comparative analysis of the HLB-causing and non HLB-causing strains.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

This position requires a recent Ph.D (earned within the last 4 years) in Plant Pathology 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.  Strong background in Molecular Bacteriology and knowledge of genomics and comparative genomics are desirable.

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. 

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.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States.  It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.  Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s22-e4.htm#e4a for additional information on this topic. 

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Your application will be evaluated to determine if you meet eligibility and minimum qualification requirements, and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position as defined above under "Qualifications".

BENEFITS:

A Benefits Package will be authorized for appointments made for a period of one year or more.  Additional information about Federal benefits can be obtained at www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.asp

OTHER INFORMATION:

Relocation and Other Incentives:  Payment of relocation expenses and other incentives will be determined in accordance with P&P 412.5, Recruitment and Retention Incentives and Other Special Pay, Sections 6 and 7, as amended by Bulletins 03-402 and 05-412.5, which may be found at http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppweb/Bulletins/05-412-5.pdf.  See also http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/staffing_recruit/reloweb.htm.

Veteran's Preference:  For further details, call the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at 703-724-1850 or TDD 978-461-8404.  Select General Information on the Federal Employment Policies and Procedures, and then Veteran's Preference and Special Appointing Authorities for Veterans.  Visit their VetGuide website at http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp.

False Statements:  If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; may be fired after beginning work; or may be fined or jailed.

Optional Form 306, (Declaration for Federal Employment):  If you are selected for this position, you will be required to complete this form before an offer may be made.

Selective Service System:  Males over age 18 who were born after December 31, 1959, must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for Federal employment.

ARS Reasonable Accommodation Contact Information:  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation and/or accessibility for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-6161 or through the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD). 

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the individual stated under 'Contact Information' below.

If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send zipped files.  They will be removed in accordance with standard electronic security procedures.

If application packages do not contain all of the requested information, you may lose consideration for the job.  To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate.   Some of the items listed may not apply to you.  NOTE:  Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be considered.

APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST

__ Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment), Resume, Curriculum Vitae, or other document outlining your qualifications (Go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp and scroll down to obtain the OF-612).

The following information is required of all applicants:

__ Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position

__ Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)

__ Statement that you are a U.S. citizen (if not using the OF-612)

__Copy of DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) (only if claiming veteran's preference) (Visit the following web site for additional information: http://www.opm.gov/employ/veterans/html/vetguide.asp

__SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference) plus the support documentation required by this form (if claiming 10-point veteran's preference) (Go to the web site at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp to obtain form.)

__ Paid and non-paid work experience related to the position.  For each period of work experience include:

          ___Job title

          ___Series/grade (if Federal employment)

          ___Duties and accomplishments

          ___Employer's name and address

          ___Supervisor's name and contact information

          ___Starting and ending dates of employment (at least month/year)

          ___Number of hours worked per week

          ___Salary

          ___Indicate if we may contact current supervisor/employer

__ Other job related information, such as training courses (title & year); skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, etc.)

          ___Certificates/licenses (current)

          ___Honors, awards, and special accomplishments

          ___Supplemental questionnaire if applicable
                (usually for Federal Wage System positions - WG, WL, WS)

__ Copy of college transcripts (if qualifying all or in part on the basis of education for this position) (If you have non-conventional education, e.g., foreign study, continuing education units, life experience, etc., go to the web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.htm#e4a and look under the heading 'Other Education' for information governing acceptability of this type of education.)

__ Copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify possession of competitive civil service status (if you are a current or previous federal employee)

__ Copy of most recent performance appraisal (if you are a current federal employee)

__ Second copy of application package IF you are a candidate with competitive status.  (NOTE:  All status candidates who wish to be considered under both alternative merit promotion and non-status competitive examining must submit two (2) complete applications when the position is open to both status and non-status candidates.  When only one (1) application is received, it will be considered under the alternative merit promotion procedures if the applicant is a current or former Federal employee with reinstatement eligibility.)

__ Support documentation for eligibility for special hiring authorities, such as disability, Peace Corps service, etc.  (If you have questions about whether you are eligible for a particular hiring authority, please call the servicing HR specialist or visit the web site at http://www.opm.gov/Strategic_Management_of_Human_Capital/fhfrc/default.asp .

__ Support documentation if you are a USDA surplus or federal displaced employee (See pertinent section under 'Other Important Information' below.

__ Self-certification of typing speed (if required as a basic qualification for the position)

__ While not required, a separate response to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs listed under Specialized Experience) and Selective Placement Factor(s), if present, for this position may better highlight your specific qualifications for this position.  (For an explanation of KSAs, go to the web site at http://www.ars.usda.gov/careers/whatksa.html).

As an Applicant for a Research Scientist Position, you must also submit the following:

__  A one-page abstract of MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation

__  A resume of 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 invitations); and publications.

__  A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, and recognition.

If this is your first time applying for a federal job, or if you wish to view more detailed information about  various aspects of applying for federal jobs, go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp and scroll down to access the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Optional Form 510.

Location Contact Information:  Dr. Yongping Duan, (772)462-5840
AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Dr. Yongping Duan
Phone: (772)462-5840
Fax: (772)462-5962
Email: yongping.duan@ars.usda.gov Agency Information:
Department Of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
2001 South Rock Road
Fort Pierce, FL 34945
USA
Fax: (772)462-5962

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:Applications will be received and reviewed for consideration until a selection has been made.