This job announcement has closed

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the 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.

This position is located with the Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit in Wapato, Washington.

**ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR DECEMBER 29, 2024**

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Job closed

Open & closing dates

03/04/2024 to 12/29/2024
Salary

$72,553 - $113,047 per year
Pay scale & grade

GS 11 - 12
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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Wapato, WA
Remote job

No
Telework eligible

No
Travel Required

Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed

Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type

Term - 2 Years
Work schedule

Full-time
Service

Excepted
Promotion potential

12
Job family (Series)
- 0408 Ecology
Supervisory status

No
Security clearance

Not Required
Drug test

No
Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
- Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure

No
Bargaining unit status

No
Announcement number

ARS-24-RA-1229505-FYB
Control number

778948000

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Collaborate with other scientists within and outside the Research Unit and ARS, to conduct laboratory and field research
Develop methods to document behavioral and chemical interactions among Phytoplasma pruni, leafhopper vectors, and cherry and other stone fruits
Present research results at professional meetings and publish independent research findings in peer-reviewed journals related to insect pests of tree fruits
Use modern approaches and techniques to investigate chemical ecology, gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, behavioral assays, and field experimental design
Plan and conduct research, individually and as part of a team, in the field and laboratory

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Conditions of Employment

Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check
Direct Deposit Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
Appropriations Law and Immigration Law requirements must be met

Qualifications

This position requires a Ph.D in Entomology, Plant Pathology, or related discipline of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

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.

GS-11
Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The qualification requirements for this position at the GS-11 grade level requires extensive theoretical and applied knowledge of chemical ecology, insect behavior, and plant pathology obtained by acquiring a Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, or related discipline.

GS-12
Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The qualification requirements for this position at the GS-12 grade level requires extensive theoretical and applied knowledge of chemical ecology, insect behavior, and plant pathology obtained by acquiring a Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, or related discipline plus 2 years of relevant post graduate experience documented in peer-reviewed journals.

Education

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.

A Ph.D. is required that was obtained within the last four years.

Additional information

Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Privacy Act Statement - FBI 3.2.4.2. Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights:

https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/compact-council/guiding-principles-agency-privacy-requirements-for-noncriminal-justice-applicants

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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".

Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
- Resume that includes:1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications.
- If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
- If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
- If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans' preference visit FEDSHIREVETS
- Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
If application packages do not contain all of the requested information, you may lose consideration for the job. To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate. Some of the items listed may not apply to you. NOTE: Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be considered. As an Applicant for a Postdoctoral Research Associate Position, you must also submit the following:

__ A one-page abstract of Ph.D. dissertation

__ A resume of any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitations); and publications. A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, and recognition.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications may be mailed or e-mailed to the appropriate address and/or facsimile number listed below:

Mail: Jacqueline Serrano, Research Entomologist
USDA, ARS, Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit
5230 Konnowac Pass Road
Wapato, WA 98951
E-mail: Jacqueline.Serrano@usda.gov
Phone: (509) 454-4461

Agency contact information

Felecia Buycks

Phone

5105595635

Address

Agricultural Research Service
800 Buchanan Street
Albany, CA 94710
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Applications will be received and reviewed for consideration until a selection has been made.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Help

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.

Resume that includes:1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications.
If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans' preference visit FEDSHIREVETS
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.

If application packages do not contain all of the requested information, you may lose consideration for the job. To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate. Some of the items listed may not apply to you. NOTE: Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be considered. As an Applicant for a Postdoctoral Research Associate Position, you must also submit the following:

__ A one-page abstract of Ph.D. dissertation

__ A resume of any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitations); and publications. A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, and recognition.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

Applications may be mailed or e-mailed to the appropriate address and/or facsimile number listed below:

Mail: Jacqueline Serrano, Research Entomologist
USDA, ARS, Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit
5230 Konnowac Pass Road
Wapato, WA 98951
E-mail: Jacqueline.Serrano@usda.gov
Phone: (509) 454-4461

Agency contact information

Felecia Buycks

Phone: 5105595635
Address: Agricultural Research Service
800 Buchanan Street
Albany, CA 94710
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Applications will be received and reviewed for consideration until a selection has been made.

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

This job announcement has closed

Help

Job closed

Open & closing dates

03/04/2024 to 12/29/2024
Salary

$72,553 - $113,047 per year
Pay scale & grade

GS 11 - 12
Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Wapato, WA
Remote job

No
Telework eligible

No
Travel Required

Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed

Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type

Term - 2 Years
Work schedule

Full-time
Service

Excepted
Promotion potential

12
Job family (Series)
- 0408 Ecology
Supervisory status

No
Security clearance

Not Required
Drug test

No
Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
- Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure

No
Bargaining unit status

No
Announcement number

ARS-24-RA-1229505-FYB
Control number

778948000

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/778948000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

RESEARCH ECOLOGIST

Summary

Overview

Open & closing dates

Salary

Pay scale & grade

Location

Remote job

Telework eligible

Travel Required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Work schedule

Service

Promotion potential

Job family (Series)

Supervisory status

Security clearance

Drug test

Position sensitivity and risk

Trust determination process

Financial disclosure

Bargaining unit status

Announcement number

Control number

This job is open to

Duties

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Education

Additional information

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps

Fair & Transparent