CASY-MSCCN Jobs

Summary This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Sugarbeet Research Unit in Fargo, ND. In this position, you will be responsible improving the quality and profitability of sugarbeet production through fundamental research on germplasm enhancement, crop protection, and postharvest physiology. Responsibilities Contribute expertise on a research assignment focused on the development of innovative and integrative strategies and novel management tools that minimize economic losses from the sugarbeet root maggot and other important pests of sugarbeet. Work independently but coordinates research activities with other scientists as part of a national cooperative research program to improve sugarbeet production and develop basic information on insect biology and control mechanisms. Identify critical industry problems, conceive feasible project objectives and research approaches to address these problems. Conduct independent or collaborative research as necessary, and report experimental findings to the industry and scientific community. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Basic Requirements for Entomology Series, 0414 Degree: entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major that included course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Evaluation of Education: Applicants with major fields of study in biology, zoology, or invertebrate zoology may fully meet the basic educational requirements if their academic preparation included substantive instruction (including appropriate laboratory and field work) in basic general entomology, taxonomy, physiology, ecology, general and organic chemistry, general physics, and mathematics or statistics that provided some training in the analysis of variables. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12: 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 is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: Experience conducting independent research on the basic biology, behavior, host preferences, and/or chemical ecology of insect pests; analyzing insect samples in the field or lab to develop control strategies; evaluating and interpreting research results; and preparing reports of research results in the form of manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings. GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: Experience planning and conducting independent and collaborative research to develop new strategies to manage insect pests, or other important pests of crops; producing scientific publications as the first or corresponding author; conducting field and lab-based tests for measuring insect behavior, toxicology, and/or pesticide efficacy; and nationally recognized expertise in the subject field. GS-14: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-14 level of this position are: Experience coordinating, or leading collaborative research related to insect pests of sugarbeet; producing scientific publications as the primary author; and presenting research findings related to insect pests of sugarbeet at regional, national, or international meetings. GS-15: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-15 level of this position are: Experience leading a research team or developing research studies on the implementation of pest management programs or pest resistance management of economically important insect pests of sugarbeet; acting as a liaison and communicating with stakeholders and translating their needs into researchable objectives; primary authorship of several important papers and publications in the field of entomology; making presentations to professional societies and others outside the organization on matters specific to the study of entomology and pest management. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. To further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral. Also, please submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 71 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential. Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically. The grade level is limited only by the individual's demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology. *Final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel.