United States Department of Agriculture

Position Title: Research Microbiologist/Molecular Biologist/Entomologist (Research Associate) Position Type: Post-Doctoral Research Associate Department/Division: Agricultural Research Service Field: Microbiologist/Molecular Biologist/Entomologist Address: 1815 N. University
National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research
Peoria, IL 61604
General Information:

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.

Qualifications & Requirements:

This position requires a Ph.D in Life Sciences such as microbiology, molecular biology, entomology 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. Graduate study in related fields may be qualifying provided it placed sufficient emphasis on discovery of bioactive natural products.

The incumbent must have experience and interest in designing and conducting experiments under controlled (laboratory and greenhouse) and field conditions; a demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment to achieve individual and group objectives; and hands-on experience in some of the following skills: isolation and identification of bioactive compounds, microbial cultures, microbial fermentation, and molecular biology skills such as PCR, RT-qPCR, cloning, and sequencing. Knowledge of current methods used in the discovery of bioactive natural compounds or working knowledge on microbial control of arthropod pests 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.

Responsibilities:

Discover new botanicals, chemical lures, or microbial agents for management of arthropod pests through laboratory analysis and experimentation under controlled and field conditions.
Assess the biotic and abiotic factors that enhance or limit performance of botanicals, chemical lures, or microbial agents against arthropod pests.
Develop practical and effective biorational approaches for managing arthropod pests.

Application Instructions: Website: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/758740100 Compensation Range: $69,107 – $89,835 per year Contact Name: Lakeisha Raybon Contact Email: Lakeisha.Raybon@usda.gov Application Submission Opening: November 6, 2023 | Deadline: November 5, 2024   Back to All Job Listings.