Job Title: Research Entomologist (Postdoctoral Research Associate)

The incumbent will assist in developing plans, devise or adapt techniques and approaches for original research to collect and analyze salivary fluids or components of aphids.  Develop the methodology to collect saliva from live aphids on artificial diets and develop micro-analytical methods suitable for the analysis of aphid saliva.  Works as a member of a team of scientists that study the differential damage response of resistant and susceptible cereal lines to biotypes of cereal aphids.  Conducts the preliminary analyses on insect and plant components using methods such as 2-D and capillary electrophoresis, HPLC, and GC-mass spectrometry.  Characterizes the interactions of the insect and plant through the analysis of plant tissues using proteomic, metabolomic, transcriptomic, or other appropriate methods.  Actively participates in the modification of existing methods of analysis or the development of new techniques in order to improve accuracy and efficiency. Searches scientific literature for principles, methods, and procedures and selects the most appropriate for the research goals and fiscal resources. Maintains official laboratory notebooks, recording methods and procedures used, any procedural modifications, observations, and results obtained.  Participates in the preparation of data for scientific technical reports and manuscripts.  Summarizes experimental results of completed projects in the form suitable as the basis for the first draft of written reports to scientific journals.  Organizes experimental progress in the form suitable for oral presentation or posters for scientific meetings.  Keeps abreast of current scientific advancement by reading literature, review articles, and attending supervisor approved meetings, workshops, and conferences

This position requires a recent Ph.D in Entomology OR a related discipline of the biological sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology OR a related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. 

Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard's requirements of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. 

This position has a positive education requirement.  You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position.  If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position.  If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty.  Application materials will not be returned.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States.  It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.  Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s22-e4.htm#e4a for additional information on this topic.

Your application will be evaluated to determine if you meet eligibility and minimum qualification requirements, and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position as defined above under "Qualifications".

A Benefits Package will be authorized for appointments made for a period of one year or more.  Additional information about Federal benefits can be obtained at www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.asp

Relocation and Other Incentives:

Payment of relocation expenses and other incentives will be determined in accordance with P&P 412.5, Recruitment and Retention Incentives and Other Special Pay, Sections 6 and 7, as amended by Bulletins 03-402 and 05-412.5, which may be found at http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppweb/Bulletins/05-412-5.pdf.  See also http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/staffing_recruit/reloweb.htm.

Veteran's Preference:
For further details, call the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at 703-724-1850 or TDD 978-461-8404.  Select General Information on the Federal Employment Policies and Procedures, and then Veteran's Preference and Special Appointing Authorities for Veterans.  Visit their VetGuide website at http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp.

False Statements:  If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; may be fired after beginning work; or may be fined or jailed.

Optional Form 306, (Declaration for Federal Employment):
If you are selected for this position, you will be required to complete this form before an offer may be made.

Selective Service System:
Males over age 18 who were born after December 31, 1959, must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for Federal employment.

ARS Reasonable Accommodation Contact Information:
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation and/or accessibility for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-6161 or through the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD). 

Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the individual stated under 'Contact

Information' below.

If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send zipped files.  They will be removed in accordance with standard electronic security procedures.

If application packages do not contain all of the requested information, you may lose consideration for the job.  To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate.   Some of the items listed may not apply to you.  NOTE:  Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be considered.

APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST

__ Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment), Resume, Curriculum Vitae, or other document outlining your qualifications (Go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp and scroll down to obtain the OF-612).

The following information is required of all applicants:

__ Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position

__ Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)

__ Indicate country of citizenship (if not using the OF-612)

__Copy of DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) (only if claiming veteran's preference) (Visit the following web site for additional information: http://www.opm.gov/employ/veterans/html/vetguide.asp 

__SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference) plus the support documentation required by this form (if claiming 10-point veteran's preference) (Go to the web site at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp to obtain form.)

__ Paid and non-paid work experience related to the position.  For each period of work experience include:

          ___Job title

          ___Series/grade (if Federal employment)

          ___Duties and accomplishments

          ___Employer's name and address

          ___Supervisor's name and contact information

          ___Starting and ending dates of employment (at least month/year)

          ___Number of hours worked per week

          ___Salary

          ___Indicate if we may contact current supervisor/employer

__ Other job related information, such as training courses (title & year); skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, etc.)

          ___Certificates/licenses (current)

          ___Honors, awards, and special accomplishments

__ Copy of college transcripts (if qualifying all or in part on the basis of education for this position) (If you have non-conventional education, e.g., foreign study, continuing education units, life experience, etc., go to the web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.htm#e4a and look under the heading “Other Education” for information governing acceptability of this type of education.)

As an applicant applying for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate position, you must also submit the following:

___ A one-page abstract of Ph.D dissertation

___ A resume of any honors or awards received; memberships in professional honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitations); and publications.

___ A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, and recognition.

If this is your first time applying for a federal job, or if you wish to view more detailed information about  various aspects of applying for federal jobs, go to
http://www.usajobs.gov/infocenter/.

Location Contact Information: Dr. Gary Puterka (405) 624-4141 x257

Dr. Gary Puterka Phone: 405-624-4141 x257 Fax: 405-624-4142 Email: gary.puterka@ars.usda.gov

Or write: Department Of Agriculture Plant Science & Water Conservation Research Laboratory #RA-10-022-H 1301 N Western Road Stillwater, OK 74075 USA Fax: 405-624-4142