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Research Plant Pathologist

USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
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Research Plant Pathologist 

USDA Agricultural Research Service is currently recruiting for a Research Plant Pathologist at Tropical Crops and Germplasm Research : USDA ARS in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.  

 

Duties:   

  • Determine the etiology of diseases by using culture media and diagnostic kits for isolation, identification and enumeration of specific microorganisms.
  • Develop cultural (crop rotation, sanitation, etc.), physical (heat/cold treatments), chemical and/or biological control methods to protect against pathogens or reduce pathogen inoculum in tropical/subtropical horticultural crops.
  • Develop or adapt conventional screening procedures and molecular biology methods to identify, test and allocate new genes that might provide resistance or tolerance to important pathogens of tropical/subtropical fruit crops.
  • Collaborate with a Research Entomologist in determining and characterizing factors influencing disease transmission by insect vectors and host plants, and with a Research Plant Physiologist in determining the physiology of disease-infected plants

 

Experience:  Based on grade level, one year of specialized experience which is directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. 

OR 

Education:  Based on grade level, successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as plant pathology; or a related scientific discipline that included at least 20 semester hours in basic botany or plant science, and 10 semester hours in plant pathology.. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position to be filled.  Or, one full year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. Related degrees include plant pathology; or a related scientific discipline that included at least 20 semester hours in basic botany or plant science, and 10 semester hours in plant pathology.

OR 
A combination of education and experience as described above. 

 

To apply for the position, go to USAJOBS USAJOBS - Job Announcement.  For more information on available career or internship opportunities, email ARSTalentNetwork@usda.gov.