Grade 11

Appointment Type – Temporary (initially 13 months and possibly to an extent up to 4 years)

Work Schedule – Full Time

Salary and benefit - $73,639 starting with all federal benefits (i.e. health insurance, annual leave, sick leave, life insurance, 401K, retirement plans).

Telework eligible – Yes, determined by the agency policy

Major Duties and Responsibilities -

Incumbent will Perform bioinformatics and statistical analysis in genetics, genomics, and molecular breeding research. Develop an extensible pipeline for NGS based whole genome sequencing, and genotyping for highly polyploid and complex genome sugarcane using both DNA and RNA. Perform analysis related to genomic selection, QTL mapping, genome wide association study (GWAS), and transcriptome analysis using the latest bioinformatics and statistical software. Lead implementation of the application of machine learning methodologies in plant phenotyping and genotyping for the sugarcane molecular biology lab. Provide technical support, guidance, and training in computational analysis using bioinformatics and statistical tools. Conduct phenotype trials related to sugarcane genetics and genomics. Help scientist to conduct trials for CP sugarcane breeding genotype selection.

Actively participates in the modification of existing methods of analyses or the development of new techniques in order to improve accuracy and efficiency or to overcome difficulties in dealing with sugarcane molecular research problems. Modifies methods, if necessary, to solve problems or make improvements.

Searches scientific literature for principles, methods, and procedures and selects the most appropriate approach selected for the research goals determined by the lead scientist in molecular biology in the unit.

Maintains official laboratory and field notebooks, recording methods and procedures used, any procedural modifications, observations, data in the database, and results obtained from the CP program.

Participates in the preparation of data for scientific technical reports and manuscripts.

Writes periodic research reports including discussion on experimental design, field plot arrangement, data collection, principles, procedures, and results.

Organizes experimental progress in the form suitable for oral presentation or posters for scientific meetings. Makes oral presentations to stakeholder groups regarding the research in the absence of the supervisor.

Keeps abreast of current scientific advancement by reading literature, review articles, and attending supervisor approved meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - Local and domestic travel travel will be required for field work and to attend training and scientific meetings and conferences.

 Promotion Potential – 12 grade

Who can apply - U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Requirements:

Conditions of Employment -

• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Appropriations Law and Immigration Law requirements must be met.

How to Apply: Please email a CV, three references, and a cover letter to Dr. Md S. Islam (md.islam@usda.gov) as early as possible. Further contact as below

Md Sariful Islam, PhD

Research Molecular Biologist

Sugarcane Production Research Unit

USDA ARS SEA

12990 US Hwy 441 N

Canal Point, FL 33438, USA

Tel: 561-924-5227 Ext. 123

Fax: 561-924-6109

Email: Md.Islam@usda.gov

Education and Knowledge Required - A recent Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Genetics, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry 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. Knowledge and experience in multiple programming languages and platforms (eg Python, perl, C/C++, R, and SAS). Familiarity with NGS based sequence analysis including cleaning, alignment, variant calling, and filtering is highly desirable. Working experience on R scripting, analytical pipeline developing, and interpreting is desirable. Skills in GWAS, QTL, genomic selection, and transcriptome analysis are required. Research experience related to genetics, genomics, and molecular biology will be a plus.