Vacancy Announcement for USDA, ARS, Plant Sciences Institute, Insect , Biocontrol Laboratory

[jkirkbri at ASRR.ARSUSDA.GOV]

Position Title: Botanist/Molecular Biologist/Microbiologist/Research
Entomologist
Series/Grade: GS-430/401/403/414-11/12/13
Salary: GS-11, salary range $40,714 - $52,927 per annum
GS-12, salary range $48,796 - $63,436 per annum
GS-13, salary range $58,027 - $75,433 per annum
Type of Appointment: Permanent
Location of Position: Plant Sciences Institute
Insect Biocontrol Laboratory
Beltsville, Maryland
Announcement Number: ARS-X9E-9442
Opening Date: September 6, 1999
Closing Date: October 1, 1999
Area of Consideration: All qualified U.S. citizens.
APPLICATIONS WILL ALSO BE ACCEPTED FROM USDA SURPLUS AND FEDERAL DISPLACED
EMPLOYEES IN THE COMMUTING AREA.
DUTIES: Incumbent plans and conducts independent and cooperative research
on entomopathogenic fungi. Cooperative responsibilities include interacting
with other laboratory scientists from academia, industry and government
laboratories. The research focuses on the molecular phylogenetic analysis of
entomopathogen genera, host range, virulence activity, molecular and
classical epidemiology, and development of novel strategies for controlling
insect pests of economic importance with insect fungi and fungal products.
Methods used may include but are not limited to nucleic acid technology
including cloning, sequencing, creation of cDNA libraries, DNA and protein
electrophoresis and blotting, DNA hybridization, gene mapping and a variety
of PCR methodologies as well as expertise in insect mycology and field work
with insects and insect related microorganisms. Analyzes, interprets, and
reports results in the form of presentations, peer-reviewed publications,
and reports.
QUALIFICATIONS:
YOUR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE WILL BE EVALUATED AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE,
SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs) AS OUTLINED UNDER SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR(S). A SPECIFIC RESPONSE TO THE REQUIREMENTS
OUTLINED UNDER SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ENSURE
ADEQUATE CONSIDERATION IN THE EVALUATION PROCESS. A SPECIFIC RESPONSE TO
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR(S) IS REQUIRED.
Basic Requirements:
For Botanist, candidates must have a degree in botany or basic plant
science that included at least 24 semester hours in botany plus 6 semester
hours in mycology, OR a combination of education and experience with courses
equivalent to a major in botany or basic plant science that included at
least 24 semester hours in botany plus 6 semester hours in mycology, plus
appropriate experience or additional directly related education.
OR
For Molecular Biologist, candidates must have a degree in biological
sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry, or related
disciplines appropriate to this position, OR combination of education and
experience, including courses equivalent to a major in related courses, plus
appropriate experience or additional directly related education.
OR
For Microbiologist, candidates must have a degree in microbiology; or
biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20
semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of
microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical
sciences combining courework in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics,
and college algebra, or their equivalent, OR combination of education and
experience with courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology,
chemistry, or basic medical science that included related courses, plus
appropriate experience or additional directly related education.
OR
For Research Entomologist, candidates must have a degree in 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 with courses equivalent to a major that included related course
work, plus appropriate experience or additional directly related education.
IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, applicants must have
directly related education or specialized experience as outlined below:
GS-11: Master's or equivalent graduate degree.
GS-12: Ph.D. Or equivalent graduate degree.
OR
1 year of professional research experience equivalent to the next lower
grade level that provided the applicant with:
1. Skill in using molecular biology techniques working with fungi.
2. Ability to plan and conduct research and publish results in
peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Selective Placement Factor:
1. Skill in applying molecular biology as related to molecular
phylogenetics/systematics.
2. Knowledge of mycology.
Applicants must submit transcripts in order to verify course work.
Applicants with foreign education must provide proof of foreign education
equivalency to an accredited U.S. college/university.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY: Send a resume, curriculum vitae, SF-171, or Optional
Application for Federal Employment, OF-612, to the Contact address. The
following information is required to evaluate applicant qualifications and
to determine if applicants meet legal requirements for Federal employment:
. Announcement number, title, and grade(s) for the position
. Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone
numbers (with area code)
. Social security number
. Identify country of citizenship (U.S. citizenship is req uired)
. Veterans' Preference (If applicable - DD-214 is required)
. Highest Federal civilian grade held (if applicable)
. Highest education level achieved. Specify:
  - Name, city, state, zip code (if known)
  - Date or expected date (month/year) of completion of degree requirements
  - Type of degree received
  - Graduates of foreign universities must include proof of foreign education
    equivalency to an accredited U.S. college/university
. Copy of college transcripts or list of college courses (if required under
  QUALIFICATIONS or if applicable to the position).
. Paid and nonpaid work experience related to the position. For each work
  experience include:
  - Job title
  - Series/grade (if Federal employment)
  - Duties and accomplishments
  - Employer's name and address
  - Supervisor's name and address
  - Starting and ending dates
  - Hours per week
  - Salary
  - Indicate if we may contact current supervisor/employer
. Job-related:
  - Training courses (title and year)
  - Skills (e.g., other languages, typing speed, computer software/hardware,
    tools, etc.)
  - Certificates/licenses (current)
  - Honors, awards, and special accomplishments
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
. All status candidates who wish to be considered under both alternative
merit promotion and non-status competitive examining must submit two (2)
complete applications. When only one (1) application is received, it will be
considered under the alternative merit promotion procedures if the applicant
is a current or former Federal employee with reinstatement eligibility.
. Applicants will be evaluated based on the quality and extent of their
experience, education, and accomplishments. This may include factors such as
number of credits in directly related subjects, grade point average,
relatedness of work experience, and any other evidence of ability to do the
work of the position. For
current and former Federal employees, the performance evaluation may also
be taken into consideration. Please be sure that your application or resume
contains all of the information we need to determine if you are well
qualified.
. This position is being filled in accordance with the Alternative Merit
Promotion system. All merit promotion principles remain in effect.
. USDA surplus/Federal displaced employees must submit documentary evidence
of eligibility. Well qualified surplus and displaced employees within the
local commuting area will receive selection priority as provided by OPM
regulations. Well-qualified means the applicant meets the basic
qualification and eligibility requirements and all selective placement
factors; is rated above minimally qualified against the knowledge, skills,
and abilities or quality criteria; and is able to satisfactorily perform the
duties of the position upon entry. Applicants must submit the following:
  - a copy of their RIF Separation Notice (for displaced employees) OR
    Certification of Expected Separation or other documentation
identifying you
    as surplus;
  - evidence of full performance level of current position;
  - a copy of their most recent performance appraisal; and
  - a copy of their most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, to
    verify reassignment eligibility.
. Current Federal employees must submit their most recent performance
appraisal.
. Applicants with Federal reinstatement eligibility should submit an SF-50,
Notification of Personnel Action, to verify reinstatement eligibility.
. Applicants are encouraged to submit AD-1086, USDA Applicant Supplemental
Sheet.
. 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 a Federal job.
. If applications do not contain all of the requested information,
applicants may lose consideration for the job.

. If applicants make a false statement in any part of their application,
they may not be hired; may be fired after they begin work; or may be fined
or jailed.
. Applicants will not be notified of the status of their application until
a final selection has been made.
. Applications submitted via Government envelopes.
. APPLICATIONS MUST BE
[X] POSTMARKED
[ ] RECEIVED BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT.
SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITIES: Special hiring authorities may apply to
disabled individuals, former Peace Corps, Vista, action cooperatives,
volunteers, VRA eligibles, and 30 percent disabled veterans.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If applicants served on active duty in the United
States military and were separated under honorable conditions, they may be
eligible for veterans' preference. Most veterans who served during the Gulf
War era (August 2, 1990 through January 2, 1992) are eligible for
preference. Veterans who did not serve during this timeframe, but whose
service began after October 15, 1976, must have a campaign badge,
expeditionary medal, or a service-connected disability to be eligible for
preference. To claim 5-point veterans' preference, applicants must attach a
copy of their DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,
or other proof of eligibility. To claim 10- point veterans' preference,
attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans Preference, plus the
documentation required by that form. For further details, call the U.S.
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at 912-757-3000. Select "Federal
Employment Topics" and then "Veterans." Or, dial OPM's electronic bulletin
board at 912-757-3100 or visit their VetGuide web site:
www.opm.gov/employ/html/vetguide.htm.
EEO Statement: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits
discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race,
color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political
beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all
prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who
require alternative means for communication of program information (braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET CENTER at
202-720-2600 (voice or TDD.)
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue,
SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720 -5964 (voice or TDD.) USDA
is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Submit applications to:
USDA, ARS, HRD, ESB
5601 Sunnyside Ave., Mail Stop 5104
Beltsville, MD 20705-5104
301-504-1484 (Request for Vacancy Announcement)
For employment information:
Contact Person: Roberta Saah (301-504-1334)
INTERNET ADDRESS: www.ars.usda.gov
DIAL-A-VACANCY: 301-504-1482
DC RELAY SERVICE: 202-855-1234 (TDD)
FAX: 301-504-1535
E-MAIL: scirecruit at ars.usda.gov