Summary
This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Field Organization, Pacific West Area, Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit in Aberdeen, ID. In this position, you will work to improve genetics to enhance tuber quality, greater productivity and sustainability in western U.S. production.
Duties
Works in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment to plant, harvest or evaluate plants during their life cycle.
Maintains, calibrates, and modifies complex/specialized equipment and automated systems used for data collection and evaluation procedures (e.g., microscopes, PCR machines, automated sequencers, tissue culture\chambers, pH meters, imaging systems).
Performs molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR/Real-Time PCR, digital droplet PCR, DNA/RNA sequencing, Molecular Markers, and DNA/RNA Extractions.
Maintains records involving breeding, genetics, and virus research.
Coordinates with farm personnel, staff sharing laboratory facilities and supervisor.
Requirements
You must be a US Citizen or US National. 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 https://www.e-verify.gov/. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable. During this time your employment will be evaluated, and we may consider: your performance and conduct, the needs and interests of the agency, whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government, and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
How you will be evaluated
Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures and USDA policy. This means you will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses to the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of two or three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Category placement will be determined based on applicants' quality of experience and the extent they possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) or competencies: Attention to Detail Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Self-Management Teamwork Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13081687