Molecular Biologist

**Duties**:

- Performs research relating to DNA sequencing, molecular marker development, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker genotyping, creation and phenotyping of bi-parental populations.
- Performs research relating to quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of traits controlling seed quality, stress resistance and other traits and gene expression analysis in soybean and common bean.
- Develops and perfects procedures for the production of high-quality deoxyribonucleic acid/ribonucleic acid (DNA/RNA) template and library for high-throughput sequencing and/or genotyping from soybean, common bean and rhizobium.
- Performs single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and other marker genotyping for breeding lines of soybean and common bean.
- Observes and evaluates soybean breeding populations for morphological traits, physical traits, seed traits, and stress resistance in greenhouse.
- Searches scientific literature for principles, methods, and procedures and selects the most appropriate for the research goals and fiscal resources.
- Analyzes the results of experiments according to established principles.
- Writes periodic laboratory reports including discussion on experimental design, principle, procedure, and results.
- Maintains official laboratory notebooks, recording methods and procedures used, and any procedural modifications, observations, and results obtained.
- Organizes experimental progress and present results in the form suitable for oral presentation or posters for scientific meetings.

**Requirements**:
**Conditions of Employment**:

- You must be a US Citizen or US National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
- Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.

**Qualifications**:

- Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
- **Basic Requirements**:
**Degree**:biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
- **OR**
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
- **AND**

**Specialized Experience**: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience assisting in genetic research projects related to seed quality, disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, or productivity; and performing sequencing analyses and characterization of genetic diversity of plant and rhizobium bacteria.
- **OR**
**Education**: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Related Degrees include Plant Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Physiology.
- **OR**
A combination of Ph.D. level education and specialized experience as described above.
- Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

**Education**:
Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

**Additional information**:

- Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
- Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

**How You Will Be Evaluated**:
You will be evaluated for this job based on how w