Summary

This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Pacific West Area, Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit of the Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, Hawaii.

In this position, you will be responsible for developing a foundational research program exploring functional genomics and physiology of true fruit flies and other pests towards development of emerging molecular insect control tools.

Duties

• Develop a foundational research program exploring functional genomics and physiology of true fruit flies and other pests towards development of emerging molecular insect control tools.
• Identify relationships between genes and their function, for example between chemosensory genes and resultant phenotypes, for improved detection and control in agricultural systems.
• Identify and determine the factors that regulate the expression of genes and how they can be manipulated to improve pest control.
• Establish foundational resources that can lead to the development of novel attractants, deterrents, detection, or control methods for insect pests that are established in Hawaii, but are invasive to the mainland United States.

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 Biology Series, 0401

Degree: Biological sciences, entomology, molecular biology, biochemistry, ecology, genetics, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

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 genetics or genomics research related to insects and their behavior or physiology; analyzing experimental data and communicating research results through technical publications and presentations; and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

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 conducting research that focuses utilizing functional genomics and manipulative physiological techniques related to insect pests or related species; bioinformatics or data science, analyzing experimental data and publishing research finding as first or corresponding author; and identifying experimental approaches to investigate molecular insect pest control tools.

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.