Research Geneticist (Plants)
USDA Agricultural Research Service is currently recruiting for a Research Geneticist (Plants) at Crop Genetics Research : USDA ARS in Jackson, TN.
Duties: Responsibilities include conduct independent and team research to improve breeding efficiency of stone fruits, including almonds, generating improved cultivars. Work with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, including breeders, geneticists, horticulturists, plant physiologists, plant pathologists, agricultural engineers, and food scientists to meet research goals and technology transfer. Analyze data and prepares scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed research journals and represents USDA and ARS on matters related to research assignment. Screen existing plant germplasm and breeding materials for desirable traits such as self-compatibility, shell hardness, bloom time, and resistance to pests and diseases including root-knot nematodes. Establish a multiomic strategy for almond breeding. Implement large-scale breeding and field management for genotyping and phenotyping of breeding populations to increase genetic gain for desirable traits. Manage open-source breeding network including data management and integration of models, omics, and artificial intelligence to improve prediction accuracy. Enhance existing industry partnerships to validate horticultural characteristics of elite accessions such as self-compatibility (almonds), high nut and fruit quality, consumer appeal, and economic production.
Experience: Based on grade level, applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience conducting independent and team research to improve breeding efficiency of stone fruits; screening existing plant germplasm and breeding materials for desirable traits; and analyzing data and preparing scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed research journals.
OR
Education: Based on grade level, graduate education in genetics, or a curriculum or pattern of training that placed major emphasis on genetics. Graduate study in related fields such as agronomy, horticulture, animal, dairy, or poultry husbandry, entomology, microbiology, plant pathology, chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and physiology that involved cross-training in genetics is qualifying, provided it placed sufficient emphasis on genetics.
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A combination of education and experience as described above.
To apply for the position, go to USAJOBS - Job Announcement. For more information on available career or internship opportunities, email ARSTalentNetwork@usda.gov.