Research Plant Physiologist at Ithaca

JOB SUMMARY:

Find Solutions to Agricultural Problems that Affect Americans Every Day, From Field to Table

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agricultures chief scientific research agency and one of the worlds premiere scientific organizations.  ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientists research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture.

Applications for this position will be accepted from both US Citizens and Foreign Nationals who meet both  Appropriations Law and Immigration Law requirements found under "Foreign Nationals Eligible for Federal Employment" at http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/EmployForeignNationals/index.htm.

**ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR (TYPE IN THE DATE THE ANNOUNCEMENT CLOSES)**

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• A Ph.D. is required

DUTIES:Back to top

Incumbent will conduct research on the genetic basis and control of root system architecture in important cereal crops (maize, rice, sorghum). This will involve 2D digital imaging and image analysis of cereal root systems and subsequent 3D root system architecture (RSA) reconstruction and analysis using methods recently developed in the Kochian lab (RootReader2D and RootReader 3D platforms). The 3D root system architecture reconstructions will then be quantified for a range of global, dynamic, and/or root specific traits for joint genome-wide association and bi-parental mapping of RSA traits.  Furthermore, incumbent will collaborate with others in the research team working on existing genetic mapping data (genome-wide association and bi-parental QTL analysis) for rice RSA to go from QTL to gene for specific RSA traits, and to determine if specific RSA traits contribute to improve plant performance under stressful soil conditions (drought, P deficiency, N limitation). 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:Back to top

This position requires a recent Ph.D in plant physiology, plant molecular biology, plant genetics, biological engineering, computational biology 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.

 

Knowledge of cloning and characterization of plant genes, plant genetic mapping, computer analysis of digital images or bioinformatics is desirable. Also, experience and knowledge of computer programming is desirable.

 

Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards requirements of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

OPM Basic Requirements

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

This position has a positive education requirement.  You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position.  If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position.  If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty.  Application materials will not be returned.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States.  It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.  Please visit the Office of Personnel Managements website for additional information on this topic.

 

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Your application will be evaluated to determine if you meet eligibility and minimum qualification requirements, and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position as defined above under "Qualifications".

Country: USA, State: New York, City: Ithaca, Company: Agricultural Research Service.