THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

ANNOUNCEMENT NO: RA-04-098L

POSITION: Research Molecular Biologist

LOCATION: Beltsville, Maryland

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: The Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory, Plant Science Institute, Beltsville, Maryland is seeking an individual for a 13 month appointment to work on plant/microbe interactions involving Theobroma cacao (cacao), the source of chocolate, and its plant pathogens. The overall objective of the project is to protect and restore tropical rain forest areas where cacao plantations are being abandoned and eroded because of devastation caused by one or more of three cacao diseases. Research is directed to developing strategies to control the diseases of cacao. This position assists plant pathologists in the laboratory to develop an understanding of the genetic basis of plant defense in cacao. This knowledge will be used to develop integrated strategies to protect cacao trees from plant disease and prolong their role in rain forest sustainability and indigenous farm income.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Ph.D. in molecular biology or a closely related field is required. Knowledge of molecular biology methods, including genomics and proteomics, and tropical crops are desirable.

FOR INFORMATION ON SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, SALARY, BENEFITS, OR APPLICATION FORMS, CONTACT:

Mary Beth Donoghue
Human Resources Specialist
USDA/ARS/Human Resources Division
5601 Sunnyside Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705-5104
Phone: 301-504-1333
Fax: 301-504-1373

FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CONTACT:

Dr. Bailey, USDA/ARS
Rm 322, Bldg 001, BARC-West
10300 Baltimore Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705
Phone: 301-504-7985 or 301-504-6653
Fax: 301-504-5823
Email: baileyb@asrr.arsusda.gov