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

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:  The position is located in the Genetic Improvement Unit at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station, Kearneysville, WV, 60 miles west of Washington D.C.  The incumbent will investigate the molecular biology of stone formation in Prunus fruit crops, with an emphasis on plum and peach.  The project focuses on gene expression leading to stone formation and lignification and the manipulation of these genes to alter stone development.  Approaches will include genetic engineering of plum to create new stone mutants and molecular mapping of existing stone mutations, both utilizing a rapid fruiting system.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  Recent Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Genetics, Plant Physiology, or a related biological science is required as well as skill in applying basic molecular techniques.  Knowledge and skills in plant tissue culture, transformation, and molecular marker mapping 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, foreign 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 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. Ann Callahan       
USDA/ARS
Appalachian Fruit Research Station
2217 Wiltshire Road
Kearneysville, WV  25430-2771
Phone:  304-725-3451 ext. 356
Fax:  304-728-2340
Email:  ann.callahan@ars.usda.gov