Careers

Announcement Open: August 16, 2022 through September 15, 2022

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Midwest Area, Sugarbeet and Bean Research Unit in East Lansing, MI, invites applications for a full-time, permanent Research Agricultural/Mechanical/Electrical Engineer position at GS-12/13/14 ($79,363.00 to $144,976.00 per annum).  The incumbent will lead a research program in precision agriculture and automation for sugar beet production and postharvest handling. The research program is aimed to develop innovative phenotyping and automation technologies that can be applied to assist in discovery and selection of new, promising germplasm for desired agronomic traits; new sensing methods and techniques for precision crop and beet yield monitoring and prediction and for early detection and management of diseases, insects, nematode and weeds; and nondestructive sensing and automation techniques and handling practices for postharvest monitoring and management of beets for enhanced sugar production. The incumbent is also expected to collaborate with researchers in plant sciences and related engineering disciplines within and outside ARS. Qualified candidates must have professional knowledge in agricultural, electrical or mechanical engineering with experience and/or training in sensors, imaging, information technology, and automation and have experience publishing research in peer-reviewed scientific journals related to the development and application of engineering technologies to agricultural and biological systems.

This is a competitive, permanent appointment and U.S. citizenship is required.  Vacancy announcements and where to apply can be found at www.usajobs.gov (Announcement ARS-D22MWA-11606898-CLO). Closing date for applications is September 15, 2022.

For more detailed information on this listing, please contact Dr. Renfu Lu at renfu.lu@usda.gov.

The USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.