Salary Range: 67,613.00 - 104,525.00 USD per year
GS-12: $67,613 to $87,893; GS-13: $80,402 to $104,525

Open Period: Thursday, January 29, 2009
to Thursday, March 12, 2009

Series & Grade: GS-0414,1320-12/13

Position Information: Full-Time  Permanent

Duty Locations: 1 vacancy - Tucson, AZ

Job Summary:

Find Solutions to Agricultural Problems that Affect Americans Every Day, From Field to Table

Seeking a permanent, full-time research scientist to conduct research aimed at isolating and identifying compounds associated with honey bee behavior and nutrition.

See website:  http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=53-42-00-00 for more information.

Your U.S. citizenship must be verified before entrance on duty.

Major Duties:

Incumbent serves as a Research Chemist/Research Entomologist at the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Tucson, Arizona.  The incumbent will conduct independent research aimed at isolating and identifying compounds associated with honey bee behavior and nutrition.  These include but are not limited to those mediating pollen preferences, host finding and reproductive behavior by Varroa mites, and worker-queen interactions.  Provides chemistry expertise as part of a research team to develop new techniques for improving honey bee nutrition and reducing the impact of Varroa mites.  The objectives of the research are to:  1) sample and identify chemical compounds from honey bees, Varroa mites, pollen and flowering plants and 2) design and conduct bioassays to test the effects of isolated compounds on honey bee behavior and nutrition.  Methods for chemical identification include chromatography and mass spectroscopy.

Qualifications:

Your education and experience will be evaluated against all qualification requirements (basic and any additional requirements) listed below.

Basic Requirements - Applicants must meet one of the following basic requirements:

Research Chemist, GS-1320: 

A.  Degree:  physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR

B. Combination of education and experience--course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Research Entomologist, GS-0414: 

A.  Degree: entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology. OR

B.  Combination of education and experience--courses equivalent to a major that included course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

This position has a positive education requirement.  You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grade point average or class ranking to verify education when applying for this position.  If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position.  If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty.  Application materials will not be returned.

Additional Requirements:

GS-12:  One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (Ph.D. must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to do the work of the position).

GS-13:  One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service.

Time-In-Grade Restrictions apply for all candidates considered under Merit Promotion/Alternative Merit Promotion.

Specialized Experience is experience which has equipped you with the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - 'KSAs' required to perform the duties of this position: 

1.  Knowledge of chemical synthesis.

2.  Ability to use analytical chemistry methods and instruments such as gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

3.  Knowledge of plant and insect bioassay techniques.

4.  Ability to plan, conduct and publish research results in peer reviewed scientific journals and make presentations at scientific meetings.

5.  Ability to use statistical analysis software such as SPSS, SAS.

To be considered for a research scientist position, you must submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation.  Also, submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications.

Vacant research positions may be filled at one of several grade levels depending upon the scientific impact of the person selected.  A peer review may be required to determine the appropriate grade level of the position and supplemental materials may be required from the selectee.

Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential.  Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically.  The grade level is limited only by the individual's demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology.  *Final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel.

Education:

Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States.  It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.  Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.htm#e4a for additional information on this topic.

How You Will Be Evaluated:

You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the basic and any additional requirements.  The Agricultural Research Service uses a category rating process.  Based on evaluation of all written materials submitted in application for the position, you will be determined to be Ineligible, if you do not meet eligibility and/or minimum qualifications criteria; Eligible, if you meet all eligibility and minimum qualifications criteria; OR Quality, if you meet quality criteria in addition to eligibility and minimum qualifications criteria.  For information about how to address KSAs, please visit our website at www.ars.usda.gov/careers, click on 'How to Apply,' then click on 'What are those KSAs anyway?'  For more information about the evaluation process, please visit our website at:  www.ars.usda.gov/careers, click on 'How to Apply,' then click on the link to 'Qualifications and What They Mean.'

Benefits:

A Benefits Package is authorized for this position.  Additional information about Federal benefits can be obtained at www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.htm.

Other Information:

Veteran’s Preference:
For further details, call the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at 703-724-1850 or TDD 978-461-8404.  Select General Information on the Federal Employment Policies and Procedures, and then Veteran’s Preference and Special Appointing Authorities for Veterans.  Visit their VetGuide website at http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp.

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA):  Qualified candidates eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA), a special hiring authority, will be considered.  VEOA eligibles are preference eligibles or veterans who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of active service.  Veterans who are released under honorable conditions shortly before completing a 3-year tour are also eligible.

Creditable Service:
Service credit for annual leave accrual may be granted for directly related non-Federal work experience or uniformed service for newly appointed individuals, or those individuals reappointed after a break in service from civilian Federal employment of at least 90 calendar days.  The amount of non-Federal service to be credited will be based on the amount of directly related and documented experience that the selectee possesses as documented by the employee and which is approved by agency management.

Relocation Expenses:
Payment of relocation expenses will be determined in accordance with P&P 412.5, Recruitment and Retention Incentives and Other Special Pay, Sections 6 and 7, as amended by Bulletins 03-402 and 05-412.5, which may be found at http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppweb/Bulletins/05-412-5.pdf.  See also http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/staffing_recruit/reloweb.htm.

Financial Disclosure Requirement:
Federal employees are subject to prohibitions against officially dealing with outside organizations in which they have a financial interest.   You may be required to submit a financial disclosure report if hired for this position.     

False statements:
If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be
hired; may be fired after beginning work; or may be fined or jailed.

Optional Form 306, (Declaration for Federal Employment):
If you are selected for this position, you will be required to complete this form before an offer may be made.

USDA Surplus/Federal Displaced Employees:
Applicants requesting consideration under the CTAP or ICTAP programs must submit documentary evidence of eligibility.  Well qualified CTAP and ICTAP applicants within the local commuting area will receive selection priority as provided by OPM regulations.  Well-qualified means the applicant meets the basic qualification and eligibility requirements and all selective factors; is rated above minimally qualified against the KSAs or quality criteria; and is able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.  If you are requesting consideration as a CTAP or ICTAP applicant, you must submit the following:

1)      A copy of your RIF Separation Notice or Certification of Expected Separation or other documentation indicating that you are a surplus employee;

2)      Evidence of full performance level of current position;

3)      A copy of your most recent performance appraisal; and

4)      A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.

Selective Service System:
Males over age 18 who were born after December 31, 1959, must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for Federal employment.

ARS Reasonable Accommodation Contact Information:
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation and/or accessibility for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-6161 or through the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD). 

How To Apply:

Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate address and/or facsimile number, but they must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date.

If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send zipped files.  They will be removed in accordance with standard electronic security procedures.

If hand delivered, be sure your application is received in the Human Resources Division on or before closing date.

If application packages do not contain all of the requested information, you may lose consideration for the job.  To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate.   Some of the items listed may not apply to you.  NOTE:  Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be considered.

APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST

__ Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment), Resume, Curriculum Vitae, or other document outlining your qualifications (Go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp and scroll down to obtain the OF-612).

The following information is required of all applicants:

__ Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position

__ Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)

__ Statement that you are a U.S. citizen (if not using the OF-612)

__Copy of DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) (only if claiming veteran’s preference) (Visit the following web site for additional information: http://www.opm.gov/employ/veterans/html/vetguide.asp 

__SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veteran’s Preference) plus the support documentation required by this form (if claiming 10-point veteran’s preference) (Go to the web site at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp to obtain form.)

__ Paid and non-paid work experience related to the position.  For each period of work experience include:

          ___Job title

          ___Series/grade (if Federal employment)

          ___Duties and accomplishments

          ___Employer’s name and address

          ___Supervisor’s name and contact information

          ___Starting and ending dates of employment (at least month/year)

          ___Number of hours worked per week

          ___Salary

          ___Indicate if we may contact current supervisor/employer

__ Other job related information, such as training courses (title & year); skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, etc.)

          ___Certificates/licenses (current)

          ___Honors, awards, and special accomplishments

          ___Supplemental questionnaire if applicable
                (usually for Federal Wage System positions - WG, WL, WS)

__ Copy of college transcripts (if qualifying all or in part on the basis of education for this position) (If you have non-conventional education, e.g., foreign study, continuing education units, life experience, etc., go to the web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.htm#e4a and look under the heading “Other Education” for information governing acceptability of this type of education.)

__ Copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify possession of competitive civil service status (if you are a current or previous federal employee)

__ Copy of most recent performance appraisal (if you are a current federal employee)

__ Second copy of application package IF you are a candidate with competitive status.  (NOTE:  All status candidates who wish to be considered under both alternative merit promotion and non-status competitive examining must submit two (2) complete applications when the position is open to both status and non-status candidates.  When only one (1) application is received, it will be considered under the alternative merit promotion procedures if the applicant is a current or former Federal employee with reinstatement eligibility.)

__ Support documentation for eligibility for special hiring authorities, such as disability, Peace Corps service, etc.  (If you have questions about whether you are eligible for a particular hiring authority, please call the servicing HR specialist or visit the web site at http://www.opm.gov/Strategic_Management_of_Human_Capital/fhfrc/default.asp .
 
__ Support documentation if you are a USDA surplus or federal displaced employee (See pertinent section under “Other Important Information” below.

__ Self-certification of typing speed (if required as a basic qualification for the position)

__ While not required, a separate response to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs listed under Specialized Experience) and Selective Placement Factor(s), if present, for this position may better highlight your specific qualifications for this position.  (For an explanation of KSAs, go to the web site at http://www.ars.usda.gov/careers/whatksa.html).

As an Applicant for a Research Scientist Position, you must also submit the following:

__  A one-page abstract of MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation

__  A resume of any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitations); and publications.

__  A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, and recognition.

If this is your first time applying for a federal job, or if you wish to view more detailed information about  various aspects of applying for federal jobs, go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp and scroll down to access the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Optional Form 510.

Location Contact Information:   Gloria Hoffman  (520) 670-6380 Ext. 104

Contact Information:

Tee Gibbs
Phone: 301-504-1553
Fax: 301-504-1535
TDD: 202-855-1234
Email: SCIRECRUIT@ARS.USDA.GOV

Or write:
Department Of Agriculture
USDA-REE-ARS-HRD/Announcement #ARS-X9W-0115
5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Stop #5106
Beltsville, MD 20705-5106
E-MAIL:SCIRECRUIT@ARS.USDA.GOV
Fax: 301-504-1535

What To Expect Next:

Applicants will receive written confirmation from this office when their application package is received.

After the application has been received, applicants will not be notified of the status of their paperwork until a final selection has been made.