Summary This position is located in the USDA, ARS, Plains Area, Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center, Sugarbeet Research Unit in Fargo, ND. In this position, you will serve as a Research Chemist and will conduct research focused on the development of innovative and integrative strategies and novel management tools that minimize economic losses from Cercospora leaf spot and other important diseases of sugarbeet that impact yield, postharvest storage-related characteristics, or marketability. Responsibilities Work independently but coordinate research activities with other scientists in the Management Unit, researchers at North Dakota State University, and elsewhere as part of a national cooperative research program to improve sugarbeet production. Develop basic information on the chemical interaction between sugarbeet and important sugarbeet pathogens using chemical, biochemical, and molecular biological approaches in fundamental and applied research. Identify critical industry problems, conceive feasible project objectives, and research approaches to address these problems. Conduct independent or collaborative research as necessary and report experimental findings to the industry and scientific community. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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 Chemistry Series, 1320 Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR Combination of education and experience: course work equivalent to a major as shown above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, 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 chemical or biochemical research related to fungal or bacterial systems; analyzing experimental data; and publishing research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals. 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 designing and conducting collaborative research focused on plant or microbe natural product chemistry; providing mentorship or guidance to other scientific personnel; analyzing experimental data and publishing research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals; and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders on research of mutual interest. GS-14: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 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-14 level of this position are: Experience leading a collaborative research program focused on plant or fungal natural product chemistry; publishing independent research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals; presenting research findings at professional meetings; developing experimental approaches to investigate plant disease management strategies; managing funds on research grants; ensuring the development of well-trained scientific and technical staff; and collaborating with a diverse group of scientists and industry stakeholders. GS-15: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 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-15 level of this position are: Experience formulating, executing, and leading a multidisciplinary research program focused on plant or fungal natural product chemistry; publishing independent research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals; managing funds on research grants; developing new approaches and technologies to manage fungal or bacterial pathogens; providing guidance to technicians and stakeholders in accomplishing research objectives; developing collaborative relationships with other university, industry, and government laboratories; and serving as Principal Investigator on collaborative research grants. 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. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 71 out of a possible 100. Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential. Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically. The grade level is limited only by the individual's demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology. *Final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer.