Postdoctoral Research in Plant Breeding - Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-CICGRU-2016-0009
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

A postdoctoral research opportunity is available with the Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit (CICGRU) in Ames, Iowa.

This project is to analyze data from high-throughput genotyping and phenotyping projects in soybean and common bean. Objectives include identification of genetic associations with important traits (GWAS analyses), and evaluation and training of models for genomic selection. These analyses will be used in practical breeding applications with collaborating groups, and will lead to publications describing these analyses and conclusions.

The appointment is full-time for one year 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.  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, 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, 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

To be eligible, applicants must have received a doctorate degree in plant genetics, plant breeding, or a closely related field within five years of the desired starting date.  Solid training in plant breeding methods and in classical genetics is preferred.  Applicants must have knowledge of basic genomic and genetic concepts, including genomic structural components (genes, genomes, regulatory elements) and genetic modes and mechanisms of inheritance as well as an understanding of plant breeding methods, particularly for diploid, selfing crops such as common bean and soybean.  Familiarity with tools for high-throughput genotyping analysis, including SNP-calling from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) data, and GWAS analysis of marker-trait associations is highly desirable.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (3 )