THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:  The position is located at the USDA/ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory in Logan, Utah, on the campus of Utah State University.  The successful applicant will be part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists conducting research on the project entitled Astragalus and Oxytropis Poisoning in Livestock.  The fungal endophyte, Undifilum oxytropis, is responsible for the synthesis of the locoweed toxin swainsonine.  Some locoweed populations and plants within populations are not colonized by the endophyte.  Specific responsibilities are to identify the factors involved with the transmission and colonization of the endophyte, or lack thereof, or its possible suppression.  A multidisciplinary approach using ecological, genetic, and/or molecular tools will be used. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop tools and techniques that can be used to alter locoweed toxicity to prevent poisoning in livestock.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Recent Ph.D in Plant Physiology, Genetics, Mycology, or a closely related field.  The incumbent is required to have experience with molecular biology techniques and approaches.  Experience in genetics, isolating and culturing fungi, and ecological applications are desirable.

CITIZENSHIP RESTRICTIONS APPLY:  Applicants must clearly indicate in their resume/CV their Country of citizenship.  To be employed as a Postdoctoral Research Associate with ARS, applicants must be a citizen from a country listed on the following link:  http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/jobs/VISA/Countries.htm

INFORMATION ON SALARY AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS is available at: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/hrdhomepage/vacancy/pd962.html

INFORMATION ON EMPLOYEE BENEFITS is available at: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.asp

FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CONTACT:

Dr. Michael Ralphs
USDA/ARS Poisonous Plant Lab
1150 E. 1400 N., Logan UT  84341
Phone: 435-752-2941 ex 1214
Fax: 435-753-5661
e-mail: Michael.Ralphs@ars.usda.gov