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Cal​​​​l for Applications

The APS Public Policy Board (PPB) is seeking a part-time plant pathology subject matter expert (SME) to be a liaison​with EPA.​ ​The expert will be a technical resource for EPA scientists, providing advice on issues which affect plant health and the ability of U.S. farmers to manage plant diseases. The expert will collaborate with other SMEs who work there on behalf of APS and our affiliated professional societies. Due to the ​nature of the position, applicants are limited to those individuals who are not directly employed by private industry.

Expertise required:

• Expert in the applied aspects of plant disease management ​in crops and landscapes, crop production practices and integrated disease control, including the use of fungicides and bactericides
• Familiarity with emerging regulatory topics of interest to APS members, such as endocrine disrupter screening for pesticides, pesticide drift labeling, pesticide resistance management, regulation and management of invasive plant pathogens and other issues which could affect plant disease management in the USA
• Working knowledge of EPA, USDA, and other government agencies which interact with plant pathologists and other stakeholders.

Role Description:

The SME is an ex-officio non-voting member on ​the APS Public Policy Board (PPB). During EPA Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP)​ review of regulations and policies, the SME provides scientific expertise on generic scientific issues under consideration. Via contacts with APS committees and individual expert scientists, the SME can improve the ability of EPA staff to make informed, science-based decisions. The SME can also keep the EPA staff informed of significant changes in disease control practices and on newly recognized or invasive plant pathogens. Another critical role is to keep APS membership informed of emerging issues or policies which could affect the ability of U.S. farmers and others to manage plant diseases.

The SME will track and report on their activities to the PPB and participate in PPB meetings and when applicable during PPB visits to Washington, D.C. The position also allows for ample opportunity for collaboration with SME’s who are working at EPA on behalf of APS and our affiliated societies.

Selection Criteria

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. degree in plant pathology
• Confirmation of approval by current employer
• Willingness and ability to conduct the work activities assigned as well as the flexibility to deal with unfolding situations and issues
• APS membership at the time of application
  

Application

1. A complete CV​
   
2. A personal statement indicating interest in the position and period of availability
   
3. Written confirmation of approval by current employer.​​
   

Save application into ONE portable document file (PDF) and send to the Public Policy Board​ by June 30, 2024. 

Selection

A subgroup of PPB will review the applications and select an applicant to send forward for consideration by EPA. ​The PPB chair will contact all applicants on the outcome of the process.