Supervisory Research Geneticist/Research Plant Physiologist/Research Horticulturist

Agricultural Research Service • Mayaguez, PR

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

This interdisciplinary supervisory research position is with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Tropical Agricultural Research Station (TARS), in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. The role leads a broad and complex research effort focused on plant responses to physical and biological interactions that affect yield performance and product quality of tropical tree crops. It also includes work with quarantined grain genetic resources and the National Plant Germplasm System, as well as management of the research station's scientific productivity and resources.

The position may be filled in one of the listed job series and titles, subject to the applicant meeting the experience and education requirements for that series. Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential, limited by demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance; final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel. The position may be eligible for telework up to four days per week and flexible work arrangements under agency policy. It is a bargaining unit position represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

Requirements

• U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or be exempt.
• Pass satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successfully complete a three-year probationary period.
• Unless prior service is creditable, complete a one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period; new USDA supervisors must successfully complete all required training components before the probationary period ends.
• Use direct deposit for federal payments.
• Successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• For GS-14, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-13 in the Federal service, including leading a plant science research program, publishing plant research in peer-reviewed journals, presenting research at professional meetings, managing research grant funds, and ensuring development of well-trained scientific and technical staff.
• For GS-15, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-14 in the Federal service, including formulating, executing, and leading a collaborative plant science research program; publishing plant research in peer-reviewed journals; presenting at domestic and international scientific meetings; guiding technicians and stakeholders; developing internal and external collaborations; and serving as Principal Investigator on a collaborative research grant.
• Meet the basic education requirements for at least one of the listed series: Genetics (degree in genetics or basic biological sciences with at least 9 semester hours in genetics; qualifying graduate study may also meet the requirement), Plant Physiology (degree in botany, plant physiology, or a related scientific discipline with at least 10 semester hours in plant physiology), or Horticulture (degree in horticulture or related basic plant science with the specified coursework, or a qualifying combination of education and experience).
• Submit proof of the education requirements for the job series for which appointment is sought.
• Be available to report for duty when selected.
• If hired, submit a confidential financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter if required.

Nice To Haves

• Submit a one-page abstract of an MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation; the posting strongly recommends this and says failure to submit it could result in loss of consideration or referral.
• Submit a list of references and information about professional stature and contributions, honors and awards, professional memberships, invited and other presentations, society offices and committee assignments, and publications.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized at the hiring official's discretion.

Responsibilities

• Lead a broad and complex research effort to determine plant responses to physical and biological interactions affecting yield performance and product quality of tropical tree crops.
• Characterize, evaluate, increase, preserve, and conduct phytosanitary assessments for quarantined grain genetic resources and the National Plant Germplasm System.
• Maintain and enhance the creativity and productivity of the research station.
• Manage human, fiscal, and physical resources assigned to the station.
• Manage program funds as fund holder, monitor obligations and expenditures, and ensure adherence to federal fiscal policies.
• Provide technical information and consultation to internal and external customers of the Tropical Agriculture Research Station.
• Ensure proper interpretation and reporting of scientific research results and information.
• Evaluate and recommend project changes.
• Formulate, execute, and lead collaborative plant science research programs, as applicable to the grade level.
• Publish plant research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present findings at professional or scientific meetings.
• Provide guidance to technicians and stakeholders in accomplishing research objectives and develop collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as Principal Investigator on a collaborative research grant at the GS-15 level.
• Ensure the development of well-trained scientific and technical staff at the GS-14 level.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior