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 ?