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Summary This position is located with the United States Department of Justice (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center, Stuttgart, AR. In this position, you will conduct research in classical, quantitative, and molecular genetics along with plant physiology bioinformatics, cereal chemistry, plant pathology, and microbiology that will bring greater value and sustainability to the U.S. rice industry. Responsibilities Conduct research that explores and utilizes global rice germplasm diversity. Study genotype x environment x management interactions. Develop rice germplasm for conventional and specialty markets that have improved yield, disease resistance, stress tolerance, and grain quality. Develop genetic markers linked to genes controlling plant response to changing climate and production. Develop molecular marker-trait linkages and improved phenotyping techniques. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Basic Requirements Degree: genetics; or one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics. Evaluation of Education: Courses dealing with genetics, some phase of genetics, or specific techniques that are applied in genetics work are acceptable. This includes courses in genetics, plant or animal genetics, molecular and cellular biology, mathematics, and statistics (as they apply to genetics), population dynamics, and certain techniques such as those dealing with irradiation or coursework consisting of an appropriate combination of basic courses in genetics and cytology or statistics are also acceptable. Evaluation of Education: Most students in the field take graduate work because specific training in genetics may be limited at the undergraduate level. Under these circumstances, it may be necessary to evaluate undergraduate course work in genetics in one of two ways, as described below, to determine whether or not it is qualifying. 1. Courses dealing with genetics, some phase of genetics, or specific techniques that are applied in genetics work are acceptable. This includes courses in genetics, plant or animal genetics, molecular and cellular biology, mathematics, and statistics (as they apply to genetics), population dynamics, and certain techniques such as those dealing with irradiation. 2. Course work consisting of an appropriate combination of basic courses in genetics and cytology, or statistics are also acceptable. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12 Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: conducting research related to plant breeding or genetics which includes using agricultural molecular biology, or genetic techniques; and publishing independent research results in peer-reviewed journals related to agricultural, molecular biology, or genetics. GS-13 Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: conducting independent plant breeding and genetics research; generating and applying genomic strategies such as phenotyping for cereal crops, genome sequencing and analysis mapping populations, and statistical analysis; and publishing independent research results in peer-reviewed journals related to plant breeding and genomics. GS-14 Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-14 level of this position are: leading research that explores and utilizes global rice germplasm diversity; representing the agency and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders related to crop sciences, breeding, grain quality, quantity, and planning and conducting research, analyzing, and interpreting results; and publishing independent research results in peer-reviewed journals related to plant breeding, genomics, and bioinformatics. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. To further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral. Also, please submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; 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 invitation); and publications. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 71 out of a possible 100. Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential. Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically. The grade level is limited only by the individual's demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology. *Final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel. 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.