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 organizations. This position is located with the Physiology & Pathology of Tree Fruits Research in Wenatchee, WA **ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR DECEMBER 31, 2024** Responsibilities The incumbent will conduct studies in support of an ongoing research program focused on engineering soil and plant-associated microbiomes to directly benefit fruit tree production systems. This includes individually performing, supervising and/or assisting others in a wide variety of scientific procedures involving laboratory, analytical and field protocols. Responsibilities may include defining problems and developing methods for specific culture-dependent and molecular-based research approaches. Major duties also include participation in the collection of data and in its preparation for scientific technical reports and manuscripts. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications This position requires a Ph.D in Molecular Biology or Microbiology 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. Strong background knowledge of microbiome research and host-microbe interactions is preferred. Skill in the purification, handling and quantification of nucleic acids is required. Experience in the development and implementation of culture-dependent methodology for the selective isolation of microbes from environmental samples is ideal. Proficiency in statistical analysis and experience analyzing high-throughput sequence data is also highly desirable. 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. GS-0401 Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) Basic Requirements Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, 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. GS-0403 Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) Basic Requirements Degree: 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 course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Graduate Education: Microbiology, or specific area of study such as bacteriology, virology, mycology, algology, protozoology, parasitology, immunology, serology, microbial genetics, or soil microbiology; or specific applied fields of microbiology such as clinical and public health microbiology, food technology, production processes, industrial fermentation, pollution, etc. Graduate study in related fields such as experimental pathology, infectious diseases, epidemiology, biochemistry, animal or plant physiology, genetics, plant pathology, and insect disease control, may also be pertinent, provided it has direct application to microbiological work Education 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. Additional Information 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. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.