Supervisory Research Biologist

The incumbent is a member of the Senior Science and Technology Service (SSTS) and serves as Center Director of the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center (ALARC) in Maricopa, Arizona. Their mission is to develop sustainable agricultural systems, protect natural resources, and support rural communities in arid and semi-arid regions through interdisciplinary research.

Duties

• The incumbent is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating research programs designed to accomplish the organizational mission and research objectives of ARS. Other duties include, but are not limited to:
• Serves in a leadership role for research program planning, as well as implementation of the overall research missions, goals, and policies of ARS.
• Keeps the Area Director and Office of National Programs informed of program and related considerations having a significant bearing on the development of research priorities and projections, budgets, and use of facilities.
• Participates with the Area Director and other research program leaders in developing criteria for budgetary priorities and projections. Provides leadership in developing and coordinating research program projections.
• Provides leadership, direction, and systematic approaches to identify research needs of stakeholders. Fosters and develops cooperative relationships to address the needs of ARS and the location.
• Supervises scientists and other technical/administrative staff.
• Has responsibility for ensuring the quality of all CRIS project proposals and their preparation for review by the Office of Scientific Quality Review (OSQR).
• Provides advice on problems in plant physiology, plant genetics, entomology, plant pathology, pest management, molecular biology and biochemistry, soil science, agronomy, agricultural engineering, remote/proximal sensing, and/or crop modeling.
• Provides administrative and financial leadership to the location in partnership with the Administrative Officer, the Area Office, and Administrative and Financial Management (AFM).
• Collaborates with the Office of National Programs and the Area Office in planning, coordinating, and evaluating joint research established to fulfill the need for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches across the Agency strategic plans
• Serves as a representative of the Agency on various policy boards, committees, and advisory groups that develop policy guidance and guidelines within the broad area of crop protection, crop improvement, and crop production
• Provides written scientific and administrative reports as needed.
• As appropriate, participates in research activities related to at least one discipline associated with the Center's research program.

***Please see the full job announcement on USAJOBS (link below) for a list of requirements, information on applicant evaluations, required documents, and application instructions.***

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. A background check will be required for the selected candidate.

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.