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

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:   The position is located in the Grain Quality & Structure Research Unit, at the ARS Grain Marketing & Production Research Center in Manhattan, KS.  The incumbent will identify the proteins in grain sorghum and interactions of these proteins that drive the heat induced cross-linking/aggregation of sorghum proteins and how this process impacts the technological and nutritional quality of grain sorghum. The overall objectives of this project are as follows: identify the specific proteins involved in the cross-linking/aggregation of sorghum storage proteins, to determine the relationships between sorghum protein synthesis, protein-polymer cross-linking/aggregation, and protein digestibility and to identify markers for protein digestibility.  Responsibilities will include extraction and analysis of sorghum proteins using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography, high performance capillary electrophoresis, and multi-angle laser light scattering as well as assays to determine protein digestibility and aggregation.  Expected results include identification of key proteins and their interactions in heat induced cross-linking/aggregation of sorghum proteins which could then serve as markers to predict both protein cross-linking/aggregation in sorghum and protein digestibility. Incumbent will report research results at scientific meetings and author manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:   A recent Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, plant biology or a related field is required.  Knowledge and experience in protein extraction, purification and protein analysis using HPLC, HPCE, and Mass Spectrometry is 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

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:   This position requires the selectee to undergo a pre-employment check and a full background investigation.  Any offer made is considered a tentative job offer pending the outcome of the pre-employment check.  Retention in the position is based upon a favorable adjudication of the background investigation. 

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. Scott Bean
USDA/ARS/GMPRC
1515 College Ave.
Manhattan, KS  66502
Phone: 785-776-2725
Fax: 785-537-5534
Email: scott.bean@ars.usda.gov