Announcement Type: ALL SOURCES/ALTERNATIVE MERIT PROMOTION
Position Title: Research Entomologist
Series/Grade: GS-0414-11/12/13
Salary: GS-11 $38,936 to $61,248 per year
GS-12 $42,976 to $73,403 per year
GS-13 $67,143 to $87,289 per year
Type of Appointment: Permanent, Full-time
Location of Position: Mid South Area, Biological
Control and Mass Rearing Research Unit, Mississippi State,
Mississippi DUTY
STATION IS: Stoneville, Mississippi
Announcement Number: ARS-X3S-3203
Opening Date: May 19, 2003
Closing Date: Open until filled
(Applications will be reviewed and referred at the end of each
month until the position is filled)
Area of Consideration: All U.S. Citizens
APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM USDA SURPLUS AND FEDERAL
DISPLACED EMPLOYEES IN THE COMMUTING AREA.
DUTIES: The incumbent performs individual and team research
on the culture of insect cells and the production of entomopathogenic
viruses in large-scale mass rearing systems. Research objectives
include:
* Identify nutrient factors required to optimize and
stabilize virus yield;
* Incorporate these nutrient factors into suitable media
formulations;
* Investigate the relationships between cell growth cycle,
cell density, and virus inoculum on virus yield in suspension
cultures;
* Develop protocols for the production of stable,
infectious virus in pilot-plant scale bioreactors;
* Develop new techniques for the production and
utilization of various candidate pathogens for controlling target
pest species; and
* evaluate the potential of candidate pathogens in field
trials.
QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants must possess a degree in
entomology, or in a related discipline of the biological or physical
sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology, OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience.
In addition, applicants must have directly related
education or specialized experience as outlined below:
GS-11 level: Master's or equivalent graduate degree
OR 1 year of professional research experience equivalent to the GS- 9
level.
GS-12 level: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR
1 year of professional research experience equivalent to the GS-11
level.
GS-13 level: 1 year of professional research experience
equivalent to the GS-12 level.
The professional research experience must have provided the
applicant with:
1. Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of
entomology.
2. Knowledge of insect pathology and biological control for insects
pests.
3. Knowledge of virology.
4. Ability to plan, conduct, and publish results in the area of
biological control of insects.
Applicants must submit a copy of college transcripts or a list of
college courses with the name of the course, year taken, credit
hours, and grade received.
YOUR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE WILL BE EVALUATED AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND
ABILITIES (KSAs) AS OUTLINED UNDER SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
FACTOR. A SPECIFIC RESPONSE TO THE REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED UNDER
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FACTOR IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ENSURE
ADEQUATE CONSIDERATION IN THE EVALUATION PROCESS.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY: Send a resume, Curriculum vitae, Optional
Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or SF-171, to the
contact address listed below. 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
required)
- Veterans' Preference (If applicable--see “Veterans'
Preference” below for required forms and documentation)
- Highest Federal civilian grade held (it applicable)
- Current Federal employees must submit their most recent
performance appraisal.
- Current Federal employees and reinstatement eligibles should
submit an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, to verify
competitive eligibility
- 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.
- 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
- A one-page abstract of MS thesis and/or PhD dissertation.
- List of:
-- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with
applicants stature, contributions, and recognition;
-- Honors and awards;
-- Memberships in professional or honor societies;
-- Invitations to make presentations at scientific/
-- Technical meetings;
-- Scientific society office and committee assignments;
-- Presentations (other than invitations); and
-- Publications.
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.
- This position is being filled in accordance with the Alternative
Merit Promotion system. All merit promotion principles remain in
effect.
- 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.
- Vacant research positions may be filled at any one of several
grade levels depending upon the scientific impact of the person
selected. A peer review may be required to determine the appropriate
grade level of the position and supplemental materials from the
selectee may be required.
- Relocation Expenses: Payment of relocation expenses will
be determined in accordance with P&P 412.5 Recruitment and
Retention Incentives and Other Special Pay, Sections 6 and 7, which
may be found athttp://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/jobs/index.htm and
click on, “Policy on Payment of Relocation Expenses” under
General Information.
- 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.
- Promotion Potential: 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.
- 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 will not be
accepted.
- Financial Disclosure. Federal employees are subject to
prohibitions against officially dealing with outside organizations in
which they have a financial interest. The incumbent of this
position:
[ ] will be required to submit a
financial disclosure report within 30 days of their effective date of
appointment and annually thereafter.
[ x ] may be required to submit a
financial disclosure report.
- APPLICATIONS MUST BE
[x ] POSTMARKED, E-MAILED OR FAXED BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THE
ANNOUNCEMENT.
[ ] RECEIVED BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT.
SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITIES: If you meet the basic
eligibility requirements and you are eligible for a noncompetitive
appointment (a list of who may be eligible for noncompetitive
appointments can be found at www.usajobs.opm.gov/a1.htm,
please indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking on
your application and follow all other instructions in this
announcement. If you do not indicate the type of special appointment
you are seeking, you will be considered under competitive procedures.
If you wish to be considered under both noncompetitive and
competitive procedures, please submit two (2) complete
applications.
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. To claim
5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your 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.
ACCOMMODATION: This agency provides reasonable
accommodations to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If
you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application
and hiring process or have questions/concerns regarding reasonable
accommodation and/or accessibility for any part of the application
and hiring process, please contact Sue Dixon, ARS, Civil Rights
Staff, 202-690-0372 or DC Relay Service: 202-855-1234 (TDD). The
decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a
case-by-case basis.
CONTACT:
For a copy of this vacancy announcement and/or applications forms,
call 301-504-1482.
For specific questions regarding this vacancy only, call:
Rita Keeling
662-686-5201
Submit applications to:
USDA, Agricultural Research Service
Human Resources Division
ATTN: Kathy Asmussen
5601 Sunnyside Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705-5105
Phone: 301-504-1520
FAX applications to: 301-504-1535
E-MAIL applications to: scirecruit@ars.usda.gov (If submitting
applications via E-mail, be sure to mail or fax other required
documentation such as college transcripts, SF-50, most recent
performance appraisal, and/or DD-214/SF-15 separately and include the
vacancy announcement number of the position.)
For employment information and current job opportunities:
INTERNET ADDRESS: www.ars.usda.gov
DIAL-A-VACANCY: 301-504-1482
DC RELAY SERVICE: 202-855-1234 (TDD)