Research Plant Physiologist/Research Horticulturist/Research Agronomist

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit seeks a scientist that can improve our understanding of how hops respond to abiotic stress and to develop production methods that improve productivity and quality. The position will be filled as a Research Plant Physiologist, Research Horticulturist, or Research Agronomist, GS-0435/0437/0471-12/13/14 ($77,488 - $141,548 per annum, plus benefits), and will be located at the Washington State University, Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser, WA. Hop production has experienced a recent expansion, an evolving pool of cultivars, and changes to the production environment. Due to these changes, abiotic stresses and how to manage them pose a barrier to further advancement of the crop. The immediate research objectives will focus on water stress and sustaining crop production with reduced water use. For this position we are seeking a scientist that can use data collection methods amenable to increasing the precision, frequency, type, and volume at the research plot and field scale. As this is a new research position, research and program creativity are encouraged from an accomplished or well-trained scientist with strong project leadership and stakeholder engagement capabilities. The scientist hired into this position joins a group of three other USDA scientists and additional university scientists researching genomics, breeding, plant pathology, and other aspects of the crop. The Yakima Valley, where the position is located, is the center of the U.S. hop industry. Because of this, there are ample opportunities for collaboration on interdisciplinary projects with broad implications and impact. Further opportunities exist for partnership and outreach with growers, private technology companies, and brewers to advance hop production and use. Candidates conducting cutting-edge field-applicable science with an interest in publically funded research, technology transfer, and an ability to engage with diverse public and private-sector individuals will be well positioned for success. Final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel.

Refer to: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/616302800 for further information and for complete application instructions, and the full text announcement

ARS-D21Y-11249231-AC

ARS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.