This full-time permanent position is with the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, MD. The National Germplasm Resources Laboratory (NGRL) conducts research and service programs in the areas of plant germplasm introduction, exploration, documentation, evaluation, and utilization. NGRL scientists cooperate extensively with other ARS locations, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), universities, other federal agencies, and national/international organizations. This position conducts research related to germplasm quarantine and utilization activities, especially those carried out by the Plant Germplasm Quarantine Program of USDA-APHIS and the ARS National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). The purpose of this position is to provide a high quality research program that supports the safe introduction and exchange of economically important plant genetic resources. The incumbent develops research projects designed to understand the biology of pathogens that infect economically important clonally propagated plant germplasm, including their etiology, detection, and elimination by therapeutic procedures.
Conducts service oriented research activities on submicroscopic obligate parasite plant pathogens (viruses, viroids, phytoplasmas) of quarantine significance using good laboratory practices and APHIS phytosanitary standards. Particular emphasis in this position is on solving pathology problems of clonally propagated germplasm that is required to enter the US through a quarantine program. Characterizes, at the biological and molecular level, submicroscopic plant pathogens detected in plant germplasm by conducting laboratory and greenhouse experiments. Develops products and protocols for the detection of pathogens of quarantine significance that are superior to those currently available. Generates and presents data to facilitate science-based decisions about implementing new and superior testing protocols. Participates in research to eliminate pathogens of quarantine significance from plant germplasm. These may include both in vitro and in vivo methods, and may require basic research to develop in vitro culture protocols for some prohibited genera. Manages the implementation of procedures required to conduct research in controlled environments (greenhouse, screenhouse, growth chambers) according to sound horticultural and quarantine practices. Communicates and collaborates with colleagues from federal, state and private research laboratories, curators and staff of the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System, and other scientists in the plant germplasm user community as needed. Prepares and delivers reports and presentations to customers, clients and colleagues with an emphasis on documenting results and conclusions that might impact the operations of germplasm quarantine and certification programs. As appropriate, publishes results of research in peer reviewed literature. Uses a personal computer and ARS official laboratory notebook to maintain research information. Uses E-mail, the Internet, analytical software used in research (e.g. statistical, molecular), and word processing programs. Uses government vehicles to travel among worksites to coordinate activities. Maintains a valid driver’s license.
Conducts service oriented research activities on submicroscopic obligate parasite plant pathogens (viruses, viroids, phytoplasmas) of quarantine significance using good laboratory practices and APHIS phytosanitary standards. Particular emphasis in this position is on solving pathology problems of clonally propagated germplasm that is required to enter the US through a quarantine program. Characterizes, at the biological and molecular level, submicroscopic plant pathogens detected in plant germplasm by conducting laboratory and greenhouse experiments.
Develops products and protocols for the detection of pathogens of quarantine significance that are superior to those currently available. Generates and presents data to facilitate science-based decisions about implementing new and superior testing protocols. Participates in research to eliminate pathogens of quarantine significance from plant germplasm. These may include both in vitro and in vivo methods, and may require basic research to develop in vitro culture protocols for some prohibited genera. Manages the implementation of procedures required to conduct research in controlled environments (greenhouse, screenhouse, growth chambers) according to sound horticultural and quarantine practices. Communicates and collaborates with colleagues from federal, state and private research laboratories, curators and staff of the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System, and other scientists in the plant germplasm user community as needed. Prepares and delivers reports and presentations to customers, clients and colleagues with an emphasis on documenting results and conclusions that might impact the operations of germplasm quarantine and certification programs. As appropriate, publishes results of research in peer reviewed literature. Uses a personal computer and ARS official laboratory notebook to maintain research information. Uses E-mail, the Internet, analytical software used in research (e.g. statistical, molecular), and word processing programs. Uses government vehicles to travel among worksites to coordinate activities. Maintains a valid driver’s license.
Specialized Experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position are:
1. Knowledge of the theories, principles and methodology used in plant pathology, with an emphasis on submicroscopic plant pathogens (viruses, viroids).
2. Knowledge of national and international regulations governing the movement of plant germplasm between countries and within the US.
3. Skill in transmitting, detecting, identifying and characterizing submicroscopic plant pathogens of a wide variety plant genera.
4. Knowledge of the techniques used for the vitro/tissue culture propagation of plant germplasm and methods to eliminate pathogens from such plant material.
For complete qualifications required, see the official posting for this vacancy announcement on the USAJOBS website at https://www.usajobs.gov/ job announcement number ARS-X13E-0054.