Molecular Biologist

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Applicants must have one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade. Basic Requirements Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND in addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet the following minimum qualification requirements Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience conducting a molecular biological science or genetic and genomics research project related to crops; preparing written reports of experiments conducted for inclusion in manuscripts, technical reports, or oral presentations; and operating and managing a research laboratory. OR Education: Successful completion of 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Related degrees may include Genomics, Molecular Biology, Statistic, Plant Physiology, Crop Genetics and Breeding, Plant Pathology and Protection, Botany, Plant Sciences. OR A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above. Physical Demands: The work sometimes requires standing for prolonged periods of time. Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in a laboratory. Incumbent is exposed to irritant chemicals on an irregular basis; on such occasions, special safety precautions are required and the molecular biologist uses protective clothing and gear such as laboratory coat, safety glasses and gloves. 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.
This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pacific West Area (PWA), at the Crop Improvement and Genetics Research Unit in Albany, CA. In this position, you will conduct research to enhance the productivity and value of crops that provide our nation with food or biofuels.