Scientist Position in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Scientist Position in the U.S. Department of Agriculture

(USDA)

Ayça Akal–StraderEHLS Career Skills 2013

March 20, 2013 (Session II, Week 1)

USDA Organizational Chart

General Qualities of Scientists

• Designing experiments

• Performing research

• Analyzing results

• Troubleshooting

• Reviewing manuscripts/grants

• Writing reports/proposals

• Giving presentations

• Running laboratory

• Supervising/training

• Attending meetings

Position & General Qualifications

Position:

• Emerging fungal plant pathogens

• Threats to U.S. Agriculture General Qualifications:

• Advanced degree

• Prior experience in molecular studies

• Meticulous for biocontainment facility

• Strong oral/written communication skills

Prerequisite and Desired Skills

Prerequisite:

• A PhD degree – Molecular biology– Plant pathology– Biological sciences– Agriculture– Chemistry– Natural resource management– Other relevant fields

• Education and experience

Desired:

• Next-gen sequencing platforms• Bioinformatics• PCR-based detection methods• General molecular biology techniques• Fungal plant pathogens

Some Useful Links

• Science and Technology Research Agencies (A–Z List): http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Science/Agencies.shtml

• Agricultural Research Service (ARS): http://www.ars.usda.gov

• ARS Careers:

http://www.ars.usda.gov/careers

• U.S. Department of Agriculture:

http://www.usda.gov

• USDA Jobs: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9ag.asp

• USAJOBS: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov

• Federal Jobs by College Major: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/E123.asp

• Coordinating Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Investments: Progress Report (White House):

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/nstc_federal_stem_education_ccordin ation_report.pdf

References

• The USA Jobs Announcement: https://my.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/333041100

• The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Logo: https://my.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/333041100

• The USDA Organization Chart: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=USDA_ORG_CHART

• Application Guide for Federal Positions in the USDA–ARS: http://www.ars.usda.gov/sp2userfiles/subsite/careers/applicant_guide.pdf

• Biology Biocomplexity Spiral: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/pictures/biology/biocomplexity.html

• Plant Pathogens Affecting Various Plant Regions: http://sustainable-gardening.subto.us/tip/plant-disease.html

• Pollen Image by SEM: http://www.sciencephoto.com/set/2456/slideshow-february-2013?per_page=24

• ARS Fruits and Vegetables: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/photos/300dpi/kesa/k3839-3.jpg

Questions ?