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

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:  The Research Associate position is located in the Reproduction Research Unit at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), Clay Center, Nebraska.  The incumbent will distinguish maternal vs. embryonic contributions to early embryonic mortality by comparing maternal genome-derived and embryonic genome-derived transcripts in oocytes and embryos obtained from highly fertile vs. infertile bovine females.  Distinction between maternal and embryo derived transcripts in the oocytes and at two stages of embryo development will be by global cDNA sequencing using state of the art high throughput sequencing technology (454 sequencer) and confirmatory real-time quantitative RT-PCR.  Incumbent will use bioinformatics applications and existing bovine genome sequence data to assemble and compare sequence information to assess sequence variation and mRNA expression levels. Transcriptome information for bovine oocytes will be used to identify gene candidates and genetic markers associated with oocyte competence.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:   A recent Ph.D. in Reproductive Physiology, Molecular Biology or a closely related field is required.  Knowledge of ovarian anatomy, mammalian embryology, genomics, sequence assembly and analyses, and real-time RT-PCR methods 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

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. S. E. Echternkamp
USDA/ARS
U.S. Meat Animal Research Center
P.O. Box 166
Clay Center, NE 68933
Phone: 402-762-4183
Fax: 402-762-4382
Email: Sherrill.Echternkamp@ars.usda.gov