What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Scientist - Plant Pathology position at Agricultural Research Service?
Job Summary
This position is located within the Agricultural Research Center (ARS), Pacific West Area (PWA), at the Commodity Protection and Quality Unit in Parlier, CA.
As a Research Scientist in Plant Pathology, you will conduct research to develop innovative approaches to control postharvest diseases of fresh fruits.
Responsibilities
- Investigate the etiology, biology, and develop molecular methods for early detection of postharvest diseases affecting trade of fresh fruits.
- Identify pre- and postharvest factors along the production, cold storage/packing, and marketing chain that affect postharvest disease development and microbial quality of fresh fruits.
- Develop innovative approaches to control postharvest diseases to reduce postharvest losses, maintain/enhance fruit quality, and support trade of fresh fruits.
- Transfer knowledge and technology through scholarly publications, patents, and presentations to scientific and industry groups.
Requirements
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements for Plant Pathology Series, 0434 Degree:
Applicants must have a degree in 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.
Graduate Education:
Applicants must have graduate study in plant pathology, or in one of the recognized subject-matter fields of plant pathology or have followed a curriculum or pattern of training that placed major emphasis on plant pathology or one of the recognized subject-matter fields of plant pathology.
Applicants may also have graduate study in related fields such as microbiology, entomology, plant physiology, genetics, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, or chemistry may also be qualifying, provided it placed a sufficient amount of emphasis on plant pathology.
Evaluation of Education:
Courses in botany, plant physiology, plant taxonomy, plant pathology, agronomy, forestry, horticulture, or similar subjects may be used to meet the 20-semester-hour requirement in basic botany or plant science.
To meet the specific 10-semester-hour requirement in plant pathology, the courses must have been in plant pathology, or have dealt with specific subject matter areas of plant pathology.
Additional Requirements:
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.
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.
