Biologist / Data Scientist

Biologist (Computational/Bioinformatics) / Data Scientist
USDA Agricultural Research Service is currently recruiting for a Biological Science Lab Aid at https://www.bing.com/search?q=ithaca%2C+ny+usda+ars&PC=U531&cvid=66b63408c14344a19cb6fa3137e4a0c2&FORM=ANAB01 in Ithaca, NY.
 

Duties: 

• Develops novel quantitative and computational solutions for standardizing, harmonizing, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating all forms of research data needed to address complex problems in grain functional genomics project.
• Conducts research using genomic, molecular, and biochemical approaches to characterize and dissect pathways important to human health and mechanisms of abiotic stress tolerance.
• Performs a wide range of duties designed to solve complex problems related to genomic diversity data with field agronomic data and plant breeding to ultimately improve crops.
• Keeps abreast of new technologies, and evaluates and recommends genomic browsers, novel web-based data displays and presentations, and novel comparative biology programs, and applies these techniques to agricultural problems.
• Analyzes a combination of molecular, biological, ecological, and/or environmental data sets of different sizes and resolutions through scientifically accepted algorithms to solve complex agricultural problems.
• Develops genomic, computational, and statistical and molecular genetic tools for facilitating fundamental discovery at the gene/protein levels for use in crop improvement.
• Applies a combination of computational and machine learning methods to new or Big Data to identify new insights using emerging technologies and next generation analytical tools.
• Develops and/or enhance data collections protocols with appropriate procedures in support of data gathering and analysis within the primary areas of research responsibility.
• Provides training on the use of these systems to scientists, scientific technicians, and others needed in support of unit research; and provides to users and developers on database applications, queries, and access.
• Develops efficient computational methodologies to analyze agricultural/biological data with environmental data; and methods to conduct comparative genome and phenomics analyses on a variety of computer platforms.

Basic Requirements for the Biology (0401) series
Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Basic Requirements for the Data Scientist (1560) series
Degree: Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown above in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.

AND
In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below.

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. For this position, specialized experience is experience conducting bioinformatics research; developing new computational methods and application of existing methods; creating statistical data analysis and query, data storage, and developing or performing mathematical statistics; and analyzing a combination of molecular, biological, ecological, or environmental data sets.

To apply for the position, go to USAJOBS: 

https://arscareers.usajobs.gov/job/779933000

For more information on available career or internship opportunities, email:
ARSTalentNetwork@usda.gov