Biological Science Research Opportunity – Southern Plains Range Research Station

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-SPRRS-2015-0085
How to Apply

A complete application package 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 Biological Science research opportunity is available with the Southern Plains Range Research Station (SPRRS) in Woodward, Oklahoma.  The selected applicant will measure the chemical characteristics of forages, urine, plasma, and feces associated with the development of forage germplasm and beef cattle nutrition.  In collaboration with scientists conducting biomass assessment of grasslands and harvesting of plasma and biomass samples for laboratory analysis, the selected applicant will also monitor chemical hygiene of their laboratory and manages universal, non-hazardous, and hazardous waste.

The appointment is full-time for one year and may be renewed upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding.  The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance.  Health insurance can 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.

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

Eligible applicants must have received a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in biological, animal, plant, or horticultural sciences or a closely related field within five years of the desired starting date.  Knowledge or experience in laboratory analysis associated with beef cattle nutrition and forage germplasm development is desirable.  A broad professional knowledge or experience of the scientific theories and principles which underlie animal metabolism and forage assessment is highly desirable.

Preferred skills include:

  1. Knowledge of methods, procedures, and techniques commonly used in laboratories engaged in forage, agronomy, and ruminant nutrition research, including the analysis of nitrogen, carbon, sulfur, acid and neutral detergent fibers, acid detergent lignin, in vitro dry matter digestibility, dry matter, and ash.
  2. Knowledge of the basic principles of biological sciences (e.g., plant pathology, plant and animal physiology, biochemistry, and chemistry) to perform routine or recurring analysis, record instrument readings, collect samples, and take measurements.
  3. Skilled in keeping exact and detailed records of data obtained from experiments.  The selected applicant has the ability to operate a personal computer using word processing and/or data-base management software.
  4. Ability to schedule and independently carry out work assignments.
  5. Knowledge of safe laboratory procedures.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (6 )