Careers

The USDA-ARS Crop Improvement and Genetics Research Unit in Albany, California, invites applications for a full-time, permanent Plant Molecular Biologist or Research Geneticist. The position is responsible for investigating the effects of wildfire smoke in wine grapes and using genetic engineering, transgene stacking and/or CRISPR gene editing tools to improve grapevines or other crops. The scientist’s duties include:

• Design and carry out independent and collaborative research to apply molecular, genetic, genomic and biotechnological approaches to the improvement of crop traits.
• Develop novel experimental approaches to study the molecular process and biochemical pathways of grapevine in response to environmental conditions such as smoke exposure from wildfires.
• Develop and analyze genetic and genomics data and resources of grapes to facilitate the discovery, identification, and characterization of genes/sequences that control molecular pathways.
• Improve or develop molecular tools/resources to enhance the application of plant biotechnology such as improving plant tissue culture, transformation, and gene editing efficiencies.
• Utilize biotechnological approaches, including CRISPR genome editing, genetic engineering and gene stacking, to determine gene function and to modify the metabolic pathways involved in grape quality.
• Disseminate research results in the form of oral and poster presentations at scientific and stakeholder meetings, as well as writing and publishing the research results in scientific and trade journals.

The chosen candidate will also be free to establish collaborations with scientists from other USDA-ARS laboratories and university partners.

Full details of the job announcement (ARS-D24Y-12001469-MDK) and complete instructions on how to apply are available on the USAjobs website: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/758691900

U.S. Citizenship is required.

Applications must be received by the closing date of December 15, 2023.

Application procedure contact: Ehila Melton  Ehila.Melton@usda.gov 1-571-669-4043
Scientific information: Dr. Roger Thilmony  Roger.Thilmony@usda.gov 1-510-559-5761

About USDA-ARS

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S Department of Agriculture's chief in-house scientific research agency focused on finding solutions to agricultural problems. The Crop Improvement and Genetics Research Unit is in the USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center, located in Albany, CA. The research unit relates new knowledge gained from genetics, genomics, molecular and computational biology, proteomics, and biotechnology to the field behavior, metabolism, and commercial utilization of crop plants, including cereals (wheat, rice) and fruits and vegetables (grapevine, citrus, potato) to support U.S. agriculture.

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