Research Agronomist/Ecologist/Soil Scientist/Biosytems Engineer (Postdoctoral Research Associate) Job in Worldwide - 93719794 - ZAUOBT.5TVDLY

Job Title:
Research Agronomist/Ecologist/Soil Scientist/Biosytems Engineer (Postdoctoral Research Associate)

Department:
Department Of Agriculture

Agency:
Agricultural Research Service

Job Announcement Number:
RA-11-022-H

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

OPEN PERIOD:
Tuesday, November 16, 2010 to Wednesday, November 16, 2011
SERIES & GRADE:GS-0408
0471
0890
0470-11/12

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

DUTY LOCATIONS:
1 vacancy - University Park, PA

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 NOVEMBER 16, 2011.

Additional Duty Location Info:
1 vacancy - University Park, PA

The position is located at the Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research Unit (PSWMRU) on the campus of Penn State University. The incumbent will be part of an interdisciplinary team (with a strong national and international network) at the PSWMRU and Penn State who will be developing a life cycle assessment (LCA) of bioenergy crops grown on marginal lands in the Northeast (NE). The LCA will be based on obtained empirical data, evaluating tradeoffs between greenhouse gas emissions, C sequestration, and water quality along a soil moisture gradient typical of marginal lands in the NE. The incumbent will be involved in one or more of the following research areas: 1) field studies that elicit essential components of the N and C cycles, specifically biomass production, nitrous oxide emissions, soil C storage, and nitrate water quality; 2) incorporating these empirical data in an LCA; 3) improving biogeochemical models (e.g. DayCent, DNDC, EPIC, CropSyst) in their performance on marginal lands; and 4) scaling empirical and model results up to the regional (NE) scale.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

This position requires a recent Ph.D. in systems agronomy, landscape ecology, soil science, or biosystems engineering, 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.  Demonstrated success in publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals. Strong interpersonal skills and capable of working independently or with multiple members of a research team.  

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 listed 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)

__ Social security number

__ 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

__ 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 Educationâ€� for information governing acceptability of this type of education.)

__  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. John P. Schmidt, 814-863-0947

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Dr. John P. Schmidt
Phone: 814-863-0947
Fax: 814-863-0935
Email: john.schmidt@ars.usda.gov Agency Information:
Department Of Agriculture
USDA-ARS Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research Unit
Building 3702, Curtin Road
University Park, PA 16802
Fax: 814-863-0935

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