1. Scientist Position in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ayça Akal–Strader EHLS Career Skills 2013 March 20, 2013 (Session II, Week 1)

2. USDA Organizational Chart

3. General Qualities of Scientists Designing experiments Performing research Analyzing results Troubleshooting Reviewing manuscripts/grants Writing reports/proposals Giving presentations Running laboratory Supervising/training Attending meetings

4. Position & General Qualifications Position: Emerging fungal plant pathogens Threats to U.S. Agriculture General Qualifications: Advanced degree Prior experience in molecular studies Meticulous for biocontainment facility Strong oral/written communication skills

5. Prerequisite and Desired Skills Prerequisite: A PhD degree – Molecular biology – Plant pathology – Biological sciences – Agriculture – Chemistry – Natural resource management – Other relevant fields Education and experience Desired: Next-gen sequencing platforms Bioinformatics PCR-based detection methods General molecular biology techniques Fungal plant pathogens

6. Some Useful Links Science and Technology Research Agencies (A–Z List): http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Science/Agencies.shtml Agricultural Research Service (ARS): http://www.ars.usda.gov ARS Careers: http://www.ars.usda.gov/careers U.S. Department of Agriculture: http://www.usda.gov USDA Jobs: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9ag.asp USAJOBS: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov Federal Jobs by College Major: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/E123.asp Coordinating Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Investments: Progress Report (White House): http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/nstc_federal_stem_education_ccordin ation_report.pdf

7. References The USA Jobs Announcement: https://my.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/333041100 The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Logo: https://my.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/333041100 The USDA Organization Chart: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=USDA_ORG_CHART Application Guide for Federal Positions in the USDA–ARS: http://www.ars.usda.gov/sp2userfiles/subsite/careers/applicant_guide.pdf Biology Biocomplexity Spiral: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/pictures/biology/biocomplexity.html Plant Pathogens Affecting Various Plant Regions: http://sustainable-gardening.subto.us/tip/plant-disease.html Pollen Image by SEM: http://www.sciencephoto.com/set/2456/slideshow-february-2013?per_page=24 ARS Fruits and Vegetables: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/photos/300dpi/kesa/k3839-3.jpg

8. Questions ?