Summary This position is located in the Cotton Fiber Bioscience Research Unit for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southeast Area (SEA), in New Orleans, LA. In this position, you will conduct genetic, molecular, and genomic investigations aimed at identifying genes or gene products related to cotton fiber development and will develop novel tools and approaches to improve fiber quality. Responsibilities Develop novel genomic tools and approaches to enhance the development of new cotton genotypes with improved fiber properties. Determine effects of climate change events such as drought and temperature fluctuations on cotton fiber quality traits Conduct research to identify genes and/or loci with large effects on fiber and yield traits, develop associated DNA markers to select cotton plants with enhanced fiber quality and yield under various environmental conditions. Conduct research to integrate transcriptome-wide association with genome-wide association (GWAS) to identify expression QTL and candidate genes controlling fiber quality traits. Determine how expression of these alleles with small effects are linked to produce superior cotton fiber phenotypes. Conduct research to functionally characterize candidate fiber genes and develop methods to facilitate allele mining for breeding and gene editing applications in cotton. Participate as a member of a team that includes ARS cotton breeders and scientists to determine appropriate cotton genotypes/traits for study and improvement. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Basic Requirements 0401 Series Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12 Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: conducting research to study the effects of environmental factors such as drought or heat stress on plant growth and development; identifying genes or loci with large effects on important agronomic traits; and applying marker-assisted selection and genomics-based approaches to plant genetics research projects. GS-13 Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: leading research related to crop genetics and improvement that resulted in improved scientific and professional knowledge; publishing original research in reputable peer reviewed journals; and determining physiological, biochemical, or molecular factors related to plant productivity and responses to abiotic stresses. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. To further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral. Also, please 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. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 71 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. 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.