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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 located in the Crop Bioprotection Research Unit in Peoria, Illinois. ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR 01/24/2025 Responsibilities Design and perform experiments to characterize the gut microbiome of native bees and pollinators through local collection efforts and a network of collaborators. Determine how these gut microbiomes are formed and how they are acquired from the environment. Evaluate emerging sequencing techniques to determine their applicability to studying native pollinators. Research will focus on the applicability of air sampling techniques to survey the pollinator communities and the plants they visit. Develop new and fundamental information of the relationship between pollinators and their associated microbes. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications This position requires a Ph.D in microbiology, entomology, microbial ecology, molecular biology 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. The incumbent must have experience and interest in the collection and identification of insects, and the isolation of microbes and DNA. Knowledge of current methods used in microbiology and bioinformatics, including techniques used in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry is highly 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. Microbiology Series, 0403 (opm.gov) A. Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. OR B: Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Ecology Series, 0408 (opm.gov) A. 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. Enomology Series, 0413 (opm.gov) A. Degree: entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology. OR B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major that included course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 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 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.