Summary
Many Research Geneticist (Plants) positions will be filled at different locations within the Agricultural Research Service. Research projects focus on plant improvements, which may include agronomic qualities, nutritional quality, increased production, enhanced uses, or reduction of plant pathogen, pest, or abiotic stress impacts, using genetic/genomic approaches. Incumbent is responsible for devising, planning, conducting, and reporting research completed under assigned research project.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
Many Research Geneticist (Plants) positions will be filled at different locations within the Agricultural Research Service. Research projects focus on plant improvements, which may include agronomic qualities, nutritional quality, increased production, enhanced uses, or reduction of plant pathogen, pest, or abiotic stress impacts, using genetic/genomic approaches. Incumbent is responsible for devising, planning, conducting, and reporting research completed under assigned research project.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/12/2026 to 06/25/2026
Salary $89,508 - $192,331 per year
Salary listed is based on the Rest of U.S. pay scale. Actual salary will be based on the geographic location of the selectee.
Pay scale & grade GS 12 - 15
Locations
Many vacancies in the following locations:
Stuttgart, AR
Albany, CA
Parlier, CA
Miami, FL
Show morefewer locations (21)
Tifton, GA
Hilo, HI
Aberdeen, ID
Urbana, IL
Saint Paul, MN
Mississippi State, MS
Poplarville, MS
Stoneville, MS
Raleigh, NC
Fargo, ND
Lincoln, NE
Geneva, NY
Woodward, OK
Charleston, SC
Florence, SC
Jackson, TN
Lubbock, TX
Logan, UT
Prosser, WA
Pullman, WA
Madison, WI
Remote job No Telework eligible Yesas determined by the agency policy. Travel Required Occasional travel - Local, domestic, and international travel is required for field work and to attend scientific meetings and conferences. Relocation expenses reimbursed YesYou may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. Appointment type Permanent Work schedule Full-time Service Competitive
Promotion potential
15
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status No Security clearance Not Required Drug test No Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status No
Announcement number ARS-D26MWA-12958916-HCL Control number 868877900
This job is open to
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The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Duties
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Requirements
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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 Genetics Series, 0440
Degree: genetics; or one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics.
Graduate Education: Genetics, or a curriculum or pattern of training that placed major emphasis on genetics. Graduate study in related fields such as agronomy, horticulture, animal, dairy, or poultry husbandry, entomology, microbiology, plant pathology, chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and physiology that involved cross-training in genetics is qualifying, provided it placed sufficient emphasis on genetics.
Evaluation of Education: Most students in the field take graduate work because specific training in genetics may be limited at the undergraduate level. Under these circumstances, it may be necessary to evaluate undergraduate course work in genetics in one of two ways, as described below, to determine whether or not it is qualifying.
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 have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related to the duties of the position OR 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (defined below) equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal Service OR a combination of graduate level education and specialized 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 this position at the GS-12 level are:
GS-13: Applicants must have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (defined below) 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 this position at the GS-13 level are:
GS-14: Applicants must have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (defined below) 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 this position at the GS-14 level are:
GS-15: Applicants must have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (defined below) equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled.
The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-15 level are:
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.
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
The selectee's assigned research area/crop focus will be based on duty station. Available duty stations and associated research areas/crop foci are:
Aberdeen, ID - Potato, Barley
Albany, CA - Produce Safety, Wheat
Charleston, SC - Brassica Crops
Fargo, ND - Cereal Crops, Sunflower
Florence, SC - Cotton
Geneva, NY - Grape
Hilo, HI - Coffee
Jackson, TN - Soybean
Lincoln, NE - Forage Crops
Logan, UT - Forage Legumes, Rangeland Grasses
Lubbock, TX - Cotton
Madison, WI - Potato, Carrot, Onion, Cranberry
Miami, FL - Cacao
Mississippi State (Starkville), MS - Corn, Corn Mycotoxin
Parlier, CA - Prunus, Citrus
Poplarville, MS - Small Fruits - Blueberry, Muscadine Grapes
Prosser, WA - Hops
Pullman, WA - Dry Pea, Lentil
Raleigh, NC - Soybean
Saint Paul, MN - Alfalfa
Stoneville, MS - Soybean
Stuttgart, AR - Rice
Tifton, GA - Grass, Forage
Urbana, IL - Soybean
Woodward, OK - Forage Crops
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.
Vacant research positions may be filled at one of several grade levels depending upon the scientific impact of the person selected. For this reason, you are encouraged to apply at all grade levels. A peer review will be required for selections made at grades GS-13 and above and the selectee will be required to submit supplemental materials.
CONFIDENTIAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT: Federal employees are subject to prohibitions against officially dealing with outside organizations in which they have a financial interest. If hired for this position, you may be required to submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of the effective date of your appointment and annually thereafter.
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, as determined by agency policy. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated in accordance with the category rating procedure as defined in the USDA Demonstration Project Plan. Applicants who meet the basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position will be placed in the Eligible category. Eligible applicants will be further evaluated against criteria for placement in the Quality category. This evaluation is based on the level of your experience, education, and/or training as determined by your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. Applicants with veterans' preference are listed ahead of applicants who do not have veterans' preference within each category.
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.
Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply" button to the right.
To view the application form, visit:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12958916.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required documents
Required Documents
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The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
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.
It is also strongly recommended that you 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. NOTE: This research field specific information can be submitted under the "Other" document option.
How to Apply
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Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement to be entered into the system prior to its closing. Resumes must not exceed two pages.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, click "Apply" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable. Please ensure your resume does not exceed two pages. Applicants who submit a resume that exceeds two pages will be removed from consideration.
Agency contact information
Heather Lee
Phone 301-956-3803 Email heather.lee@usda.gov Address Agricultural Research Service
5601 Sunnyside Ave
Beltsville, MD 20705
US
Next steps
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 3-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.
You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).
Under the Fair Chance Act, agencies are not allowed to request information about an applicant's criminal history until a conditional offer of employment has been made, except as allowed for access to classified information; assignment to national security duties or positions; acceptance or retention in the armed forces; or recruitment of a Federal law enforcement officer. An applicant may submit a complaint or any other information related to an organization's alleged noncompliance with the Fair Chance Act. The complaint must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged noncompliance. To make a Fair Chance Act inquiry or complaint, send an email with the appropriate information to Adrianne.Lewis@usda.gov, subject line: Fair Chance Act.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
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.
It is also strongly recommended that you 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. NOTE: This research field specific information can be submitted under the "Other" document option.
How to Apply
Help
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement to be entered into the system prior to its closing. Resumes must not exceed two pages.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, click "Apply" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable. Please ensure your resume does not exceed two pages. Applicants who submit a resume that exceeds two pages will be removed from consideration.
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
Heather Lee
Phone 301-956-3803 Email heather.lee@usda.gov Address Agricultural Research Service
5601 Sunnyside Ave
Beltsville, MD 20705
US
Next steps
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 3-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.
You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).
Under the Fair Chance Act, agencies are not allowed to request information about an applicant's criminal history until a conditional offer of employment has been made, except as allowed for access to classified information; assignment to national security duties or positions; acceptance or retention in the armed forces; or recruitment of a Federal law enforcement officer. An applicant may submit a complaint or any other information related to an organization's alleged noncompliance with the Fair Chance Act. The complaint must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged noncompliance. To make a Fair Chance Act inquiry or complaint, send an email with the appropriate information to Adrianne.Lewis@usda.gov, subject line: Fair Chance Act.
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Additional locations
Tifton, GA
Hilo, HI
Aberdeen, ID
Urbana, IL
Saint Paul, MN
Mississippi State, MS
Poplarville, MS
Stoneville, MS
Raleigh, NC
Fargo, ND
Lincoln, NE
Geneva, NY
Woodward, OK
Charleston, SC
Florence, SC
Jackson, TN
Lubbock, TX
Logan, UT
Prosser, WA
Pullman, WA
Madison, WI