The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the principal scientific research
agency of the Department of Agriculture. ARS has approximately 1,200 research
projects at over 100 locations which are situated strategically across the major
farm and rangeland ecosystems and climate zones of the United States. Consequently,
ARS has the ability to bring research expertise to bear on the same national
problems in several different geographic locations.
ARS conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems
of high national priority and provides information access and dissemination
to:
- Ensure high-quality, safe food and other agricultural products,
- Assess the nutritional needs of Americans,
- Sustain a competitive agricultural economy,
- Enhance the natural resource base and the environment, and
- Provide economic opportunities for rural citizens, communities, and society
as a whole.
The overall aim of ARS research is to ensure the continuation of an adequate
food and fiber supply of high quality to meet the needs of the American people.
ARS has a workforce of approximately 8,000 employees including 2,000 scientists
representing a wide range of disciplines. Researchers with ARS employ the most
advanced technologies used by scientists.
POSITIONS COVERED: ARS is currently recruiting for Postdoctoral Research
Associate (RA) positions. Opportunities exist in many of the life and physical
sciences.
There are no specific closing dates. Candidates will be considered as applications
are received. Successful candidates will be employed under an excepted appointment,
usually up to 2 years in duration.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: These positions are normally filled at the step
1 of the GS-11 or GS-12 grade level. The current salary for these positions
is $44,136 and $52,899 respectively, plus locality
pay. Appointments of more than one year convey eligibility for
health insurance and life insurance. Appointees are also eligible to earn and
use annual and sick leave.
CONTACT: For details on the position itself and specialized requirements,
please contact the scientist who will be the mentor for the position.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: You must meet all requirements for the position
including completion of the Ph.D. prior to entrance on duty. Preference is given
to candidates whose degree has been received within the last 4 years. CITIZENSHIP
RESTRICTIONS APPLY.
HOW TO APPLY: Send a resume, curriculum vitae, or Optional Application
for Federal Employment, OF-612,
to the Contact address. A separate application is needed for each position.
Please include the announcement number and position title on your application.
The following information must be submitted to evaluate your qualifications
and determine if you meet legal requirements for Federal employment:
- Copy of your college transcripts or list of college courses (include a description
of any course not readily identifiable by the title)
- Specify exact date or expected date (month/year) of completion of all Ph.D.
degree requirements. Graduates of foreign universities must include proof
that their Ph.D. degree is equivalent to a degree granted by an accredited
U.S. college or university.
- List of publications, presentations, honors/awards
- One-page abstract of Ph.D. dissertation
- Description of how you meet the special requirements of the position for
which you are applying. Include information concerning pertinent courses,
publications, accomplishments, etc.
- Description of paid and nonpaid work related to the position.
- Social security number
- Country of citizenship
- Veterans' preference (if applicable)
- Highest Federal civilian grade held (if applicable)
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If you are a male over age 18 who was born
after December 31, 1959, you must have registered with the Selective Service
System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you served on active duty in the United States
military and were separated under honorable conditions, you may be eligible
for veterans' preference. Most veterans who served during the Gulf War era (August
2, 1990 through January 2, 1992) are eligible for preference. Veterans who did
not serve during this time frame, but whose service began after October 15,
1976, must have a campaign badge, expeditionary medal, or a service-connected
disability to be eligible for 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 a 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 at 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 and 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 on 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. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the
application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting
reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS
Updated: 09/29/2004
|