Agronomist Postdoctoral Research Opportunity

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-DBSFRC-2015-0025-03
How to Apply

A complete application package consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.  Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded.
  • A current resume/CV

If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Description

An Agronomist postdoctoral research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Dale Bumpers Small Farm Research Center (DBSFRC) in Booneville, Arkansas.

As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, the selected applicant will conduct research to identify and/or develop the best management practices and overall production systems for growing crops that are either grazed or harvested for hay and/or biomass. Crops may include cool-season grasses, warm-season grasses (some native grass species), legumes, herbaceous browse and/or woody browse in conventional, organic, and silvopasture farming systems. The selected applicant will study environmental impacts and crop effects of experimental techniques for managing nutrient applications, livestock grazing, and other aspects of forage production systems. Responsibilities may include implementing plot treatments, gathering field data, collecting samples (soil, water, and/or plant material), analyzing samples in the laboratory, conducting statistical analyses, interpreting results, writing and publishing manuscripts.

The appointment is full-time for one year and may be renewed upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding. The annual stipend rate for this position is $47,923. A stipend supplement is provided to offset the cost of an individual or family health insurance plan. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. Health insurance may be obtained through ORISE. Relocation expenses in the amount of $4,000 will be reimbursed, with prior approval. Funding in the amount of $4,000 is available to reimburse travel-related expenses to scientific and professional development activities. The participant does not become an employee of the ARS or ORISE.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with ARS, this position requires a pre-employment check and a full background investigation.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals.  Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

This is an equal opportunity program open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must have received a doctorate degree in Agronomy or a closely related field within five years of the desired starting date. Knowledge of forage crops and experience in field and laboratory research is desired. Proficiencies in computer skills, data collection, and statistical analyses are essential. The successful candidate must also have strong communication skills and be able to design experiments, initiate research projects, and participate effectively in team projects.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (6 )
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