Research Geneticist Postdoctoral Opportunity

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-CIPRU-2016-0164
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 Research Geneticist postdoctoral opportunity is available with the Crop Improvement and Protection Research Unit (CIPRU) in Salinas, California.  The selected applicant will be expected to conduct QTL mapping studies on yield, horticultural, nutritional, and post-harvest traits of lettuce. In additional, the stability of these traits across diverse production environments will be evaluated. The results from this research are expected to develop the resources needed to breed lettuce with longer shelf life and more stable yield and quality.

The appointment is full-time for one year and may be renewed based upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding.  The annual stipend rate for this position is up to $56,735, depending on skills and experience.  A stipend supplement in the amount of $13,615 is available to offset the cost of a health insurance plan.  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, 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-appointment 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, breeding, molecular biology, horticulture, crop science, or a related science within five years of the desired starting date.  Expertise in association mapping is desirable.  Knowledge of contemporary approaches to gene identification, mapping, sequencing, experimental design, and statistical analyses are required. Experience or knowledge of nutritional analyses in plants is preferred. The candidate must demonstrate proficiency of oral and written English.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (9 )