Salary Range:	67,963.00 - 105,897.00 USD /year GS-11: $67,963 to $88,349; GS-12: $81,460 to $105,897
Series & Grade:	GS-0401 0403 0440-11/12
Open Period:	Thursday, November 19, 2009 to Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Position Information:	Full-Time  Temporary position not to exceed 2 years with a possible extension up to 2 additional years
Duty Locations:	1 vacancy - Albany, CA
Who May Be Considered:	Applications will be accepted from both US Citizens and Non-Citizens as allowed by appropriations and statute.  For more information on citizenship restrictions log onto: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/jobs/VISA/Countries.htm

Job Summary:

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency and one of the world's premiere scientific organization.  ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientist's research on agricultural problems of high national priority effecting American agriculture.  

**ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPENED UNTIL FILLED **

Major Duties:
Scientist will conduct research on the genomic nature of host association in the food-borne pathogen Campylobacter coli. Four host-associated (chicken-, swine-, cattle- and turkey-associated) C. coli isolates will be utilized in a comparative genomics study. Next-generation sequencing will be used to generate high quality, high coverage genome sequence data for the host-associated C. coli isolates; these genomes will be assembled and annotated. Scientist will add novel genes identified in the new genomes to an existing C. coli DNA microarray to verify putative genomic differences among other host-associated C. coli strains.  Research will identify genes and single-nucleotide polymorphisms involved potentially in host association.

Qualifications:

This position requires a Ph.D in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a closely 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. Knowledge of microbial culturing methods and basic molecular biology skills (such as PCR) is required. Knowledge of DNA sequencing and bioinformatics and bioinformatics software is desirable. Computer programming skills is beneficial, but not required.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated:

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".

Benefits:

A Benefits Package is authorized.  Additional information about Federal benefits can be obtained at www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.asp

Other Information:

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/PDF/412-05.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). 

How To Apply:

Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate address and/or facsimile number.

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.

As an Applicant for a Research Scientist Position, you must also submit the following:

__  A one-page abstract of MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation

__  A resume of 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 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.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp and scroll down to access the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Optional Form 510.

Contact Information:

Dr. William Miller Phone: 510-559-5992 Fax: 510-559-6162 Email: william.miller@ars.usda.gov

Or write: Department Of Agriculture USDA-ARS-Produce Safety and Microbiology Research #RA-10-032-H 800 Buchanan St., WAB 200-D Albany, CA 94710 E-mail: william.miller@ars.usda.gov Fax: 510-559-6162

What To Expect Next:
Applications will be received and reviewed for consideration until a selection has been made.