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Summary This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska. In this position, you will work with a team of research physiologists focused on improving reproduction and lifetime productivity of cattle, sheep, and swine. Responsibilities Works with a team of research physiologists focused on improving reproduction and lifetime productivity of cattle, sheep, and swine. Leads efforts to measure, quantify and manipulate the epigenome to achieve these research objectives, which contribute to ARS National Program 101-Food Animal Production. Applies epigenetics to improve reproductive performance and lifetime productivity of livestock. Identifies and quantifies the epigenome of reproductive tissues. Identifies maternal, environmental, nutritional, and other influences on epigenetic mechanisms, and develop methods to manipulate the epigenome to improve reproductive longevity and production efficiency of animals. Correlates epigenetic mechanisms to gene expression and control of reproductive phenotypes or other animal characteristics. 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 for General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series, 0401 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: assisting a research team in genetics or physiology using molecular biology techniques to identify and quantify the epigenome or the impact of the epigenome on gene expression of reproductive or other animal tissues; contributing to development of research hypotheses and planning of research projects in these areas of research; organizing collaborative efforts and executing the research; and presenting research findings at scientific meetings. 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, coordinating and conducting molecular sequencing techniques, tissue sampling and bioinformatic analyses and molecular biological techniques; developing methods to manipulate the epigenome to improve physiology of traits important for reproductive physiology, production efficiency, or other biological traits of animals; publishing research findings in scientific journals; and presenting research findings at regional, national, or international meetings. GS-14: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 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-14 level of this position are: planning, conducting, and leading independent and complex research related to animals, reproductive phenotypes or other animal characteristics; utilizing extensive theoretical knowledge of molecular biology; identifying maternal, environmental, nutritional and other influences on epigenetic mechanisms; apply knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms to improve animal physiology, reproduction, or production efficiency; publishing independent research finding in peer-reviewed journals related to reproductive performance and lifetime productivity of livestock; and establishing collaborations with internal and external stakeholders. 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 85 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. 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. 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.