Lead Scientific Innovation: Supervisory Research Opportunities with the USDA
Are you a visionary scientist looking to lead high-impact agricultural research? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is inviting applications for a Supervisory Research Geneticist, Research Plant Physiologist, or Research Horticulturist at the Tropical Agricultural Research Station (TARS) in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of agricultural science in a vibrant, tropical environment.
Job Responsibilities
In this leadership role, you will be responsible for:
- Leading complex research efforts on plant responses to physical and biological stressors.
- Overseeing phytosanitary assessments for the National Plant Germplasm System.
- Managing the human, fiscal, and physical resources of the research station.
- Serving as a fund manager to ensure federal fiscal compliance.
- Providing technical consultation to internal and external stakeholders.
Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of scientific expertise and leadership experience. Below is a comparison of the qualifications for the GS-14 and GS-15 grade levels.
| Feature | GS-14 Requirements | GS-15 Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Research Scope | Lead research programs | Lead collaborative research programs |
| Communication | Present at professional meetings | Present at domestic/international meetings |
| Collaboration | Manage research grants | Develop external/internal partnerships |
| Staff Support | Develop technical staff | Provide guidance to stakeholders |
Salary and Benefits
- Salary Range: $125,776 to $192,331 per year.
- Benefits: Federal employees enjoy comprehensive health insurance, a robust retirement plan including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), generous vacation and sick leave, and flexible work schedules.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Overly long resumes will result in automatic disqualification.
- Document Everything: Include your thesis/dissertation abstract and a list of professional contributions, including honors, committee assignments, and publications.
- Use the Portal: All applications must be submitted via the official online portal before the deadline.
Working at the Tropical Agricultural Research Station offers more than just a job; it offers the chance to influence global agricultural standards. If you are a dedicated scientist with the leadership skills to match, we encourage you to apply and help us continue our mission of scientific excellence.
Why This Supervisory Research Geneticist/Research Plant Physiologist/Research Horticulturist Job Matters
Lead cutting-edge agricultural research and influence the future of tropical tree crop sustainability in the heart of Puerto Rico.
Supervisory Research Geneticist/Research Plant Physiologist/Research Horticulturist Job Overview
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking a visionary scientist for the Tropical Agricultural Research Station (TARS) in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. This leadership role involves guiding complex research programs, managing institutional resources, and collaborating with global stakeholders to address critical challenges in plant physiology, genetics, and horticulture. You will play a pivotal role in advancing agricultural science while overseeing critical phytosanitary assessments and research initiatives that impact food security and production quality.
Requirements for Supervisory Research Geneticist/Research Plant Physiologist/Research Horticulturist
- U.S. Citizenship eligibility.
- Must meet specific education requirements for the Genetics (0440), Plant Physiology (0435), or Horticulture (0437) series.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-13 for GS-14; GS-14 for GS-15).
- Proven track record of publishing research in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Experience in managing research grants, budgets, and scientific/technical personnel.
- Submission of a concise two-page resume.
- Submission of academic transcripts and, if applicable, proof of veteran preference (DD214).
- Must complete a 3-year probationary period upon hiring.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Research Geneticist/Research Plant Physiologist/Research Horticulturist
- Significant experience formulating and leading collaborative research programs.
- Expertise in presenting findings at both domestic and international scientific venues.
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a Principal Investigator on major collaborative research grants.
- Strong skills in team building, conflict management, and strategic thinking.
- Professional reputation evidenced by awards, memberships, and committee assignments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Opportunities for telework (up to 4 days per week).
- ✓Flexible work arrangements.
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Research Geneticist/Research Plant Physiologist/Research Horticulturist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Research Geneticist/Research Plant Physiologist/Research Horticulturist Job
- Review the full announcement details and prepare your two-page resume.
- Gather academic transcripts and supporting documentation (e.g., DD214).
- Draft a one-page abstract of your thesis/dissertation as recommended.
- Visit the online application portal to complete the assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all required documents in acceptable formats (PDF, DOC, etc., under 5MB).
- Submit your application package by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the two-page limit for your resume; excessive length will disqualify you.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are legible and non-encrypted.
- Clearly map your work experience to the major duties listed in the announcement.
- Enable email notifications in your USAJOBS profile to track your application status.
- Contact the agency representative well before the deadline if you anticipate any technical or accessibility hardships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold this position in any of the three listed job series?
Yes, this is an interdisciplinary position. You may be considered for the role provided you meet the specific educational and experience requirements for at least one of the three series (Genetics, Plant Physiology, or Horticulture).
Is telework available?
Yes, this position may be eligible for telework up to four days per week, subject to the duties of the role and agency policy.
What is the probation period?
This position requires a three-year probationary period during which your performance, conduct, and contribution to agency goals will be evaluated.
Job from Agricultural Research Service
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Our mission is to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day—from field to table. TARS is a critical facility focusing on the challenges of tropical agriculture, preserving plant germplasm, and improving the quality of tree crops.