Preservation of Germplasm from Tropical and Subtropical Plant Species

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-PGPRU-2015-0128_02
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.  All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation.
  • 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

Research in this project is designed to backup genetic resources of plants from tropical or subtropical origin in cryopreserved collections at the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation.   The selected candidate will conduct research with explants or seeds from Citrus or related species, and other species of interest.  Plant materials will be prepared for cryo-exposure and tested for viability upon recovery using micro-culture techniques.

The appointment is for four months and may be renewed based upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding.  The selected applicant will receive a stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment.  Stipend rates are determined by ARS officials, and are based on the applicant’s academic and professional background.  The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance.  Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE for insurance during the program.  The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, ARS, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

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.

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

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

Qualifications
  • Candidate must have a MSc in plant/crop physiology, horticulture or related field
  • Extensive laboratory experience working with explants, plant cells and cell extracts.
  • Practical knowledge of the basic theories and practices of plant reproduction and plant growth and development.
  • Ability to adapt, develop or improve techniques and procedures.
  • Skill to calibrate, operate and maintain analytical equipment commonly used to characterize plant metabolism.
  • Ability to locate, organize and adapt information from published literature for use as guidelines for new procedures.
  • Skill in keeping exact and detailed records of data obtained from experiments.
  • Skill to recognize results that are unexpected, unusual or erroneous and to independently initiate action to overcome technical difficulties or refer for professional resolution or interpretation.
  • Skill to obtain, tabulate, statistically analyze, and summarize data by graphic or other means.  Familiarity with electronic and microprocessor-based calculators and equipment, and with computerized data storage and manipulation.  Skill in the use of personal computers and software packages in the data collection, analysis, and presentation processes.
  • Knowledge of safe laboratory procedures.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Any degree .
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (7 )
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