Research Geneticist/Molecular Biologist Postdoctoral/Visiting Scientist Research Opportunity

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-CPGRU-2015-0082
How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

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/Molecular Biologist (Postdoctoral Associate/Visiting Scientist) opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Crops Pathology and Genetics Research Unit (CPGRU) in Davis, California.  The selected applicant will conduct studies on the high throughput detection of mutations from populations of rice mutants using next-gen sequencing-based approaches (e.g., TILLING by sequencing, exome sequencing) and on the mapping and identification of mutations underlying rice mutants identified by forward genetic screening.  Targets include genes involved in grain quality (cooking, eating, milling, and nutritional), cold and drought tolerance, and plant architecture traits relating to competitiveness and yield in temperate environments.  The project will require extensive applications of the knowledge and methodologies in genetics, genomics, molecular biology and computational biology/bioinformatics.

The selected applicant will work independently with minimum supervision. As a member of the research team, the selected applicant is expected to cooperate with other team members and contribute to common research goals.

The project will involve various lab, greenhouse and field activities.

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 $51,812.  A stipend supplement in the amount of $5,160 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.  The participant does not become an employee of 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.

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 http://www.orise.orau.gov/usda-ars.

Qualifications

Applicants must have received a doctorate degree in plant biology, genetics, molecular biology or a related field is required. Knowledge of construction of next-generation sequencing libraries and analysis of sequence data using standard software is plus. Training and experience in computational biology is desirable.

The ideal candidate should have extensive knowledge of principles, theories, practices and techniques of genetics, genomics, molecular biology and computational biology / bioinformatics.  Desirable skills and experience include, but are not limited to, demonstrated abilities to design and execute genetic (forward and reverse genetics), genomic and physiological experiments in lab, greenhouse, and field; to handle and analyze data, next-generation sequencing data in particular, to identify natural and induced DNA sequence variation; and to summarize and report research findings and problems in a timely manner.

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