The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit seeks a Research Geneticist, GS-0440-12/13 ($79,363 to $122,683 per annum, plus benefits). The position is located in Corvallis, OR. The research conducted in this position includes: i) investigating priority stress tolerance and seed production traits of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass in order to improve plant performance, seed yield and seed quality, ii) using genomics and genetics data to develop new breeding methods and tests their effectiveness to accelerate genetic improvement of perennial grasses, and iii) developing molecular marker or bioassay tests for plant performance and seed purity. Successful completion of this research will result in significantly improved genomic resources and ultimately new breeding tools and methods that will support the genetic improvement of grasses by public and private sector plant breeders. The Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit is located in the Willamette Valley, a world center for grass seed production and home to several private grass seed breeding programs, presenting collaborative and tech transfer opportunities that can magnify the impact of the incumbent’s research. Further opportunities exist for collaboration with ARS and university scientists researching grass breeding, genetics, pathology, entomology, agronomy, abiotic stress tolerance, seed production and seed certification. The position is located on the campus of Oregon State University, which offers core services in genomics, biocomputing, and bioinformatics. Candidates with an interest in publicly-funded research to improve grass breeding methods, technology transfer, and an ability to engage with diverse public and private-sector individuals will be well positioned for success. Final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel.
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Our job is finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. Here are a few numbers to illustrate the scope of our organization:
660 research projects within 15 National Programs
2,000 scientists and post docs
6,000 other employees
90+ research locations, including overseas laboratories
$1.5 billion fiscal year budget
Mission
ARS delivers scientific solutions to national and global agricultural challenges.
Vision
Global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.
Core Values
Scientific excellence, creativity, innovation, integrity, leadership, collaboration, accountability, transparency, diversity, respect, inclusiveness, and public service. These values underpin ARS’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and exc...ellence of our agriculture.
The Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit is located in Corvallis, OR and is part of the Pacific West Area.
