Research Plant Physiologist

This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area (PA), Center for Agricultural Resources Research in Fort Collins, CO.

In this position, you will acquire, evaluate, preserve, and distribute critical plant germplasm resources and research technologies to improve these critical functions.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

Degree: botany or plant physiology; or a related scientific discipline that included at least 10 semester hours in plant physiology.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below.

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: contributing to a research project related to Plant Physiology or Clonal Plant Production; and producing publications as the primary author or contributor that fill in gaps in an existing theory or framework.

OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Related degrees may include Agronomy, Botany, Ecology, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Physiology, Crop Production, Clonal Production, Plant Cryobiology, or Microbiology.

OR Combination of graduate level education and experience as described above.

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: collecting and curating plant genetic samples; identifying critical problems facing the genetics industry and conducts research to solve these problems;

and presenting information to professional organizations (e.g., societies, academia, industry) within and outside of the organization on technical matters and practices in the area of specialization.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) 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.

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.