The Plant Science Research Unit in St. Paul, MN is currently recruiting for a permanent Research
Geneticist, GS12/13. The scientist hired will lead a broad research program of their design to
develop novel genomics-enabled strategies for improving yield-limiting diseases in wheat (e.g.,
Fusarium head blight) and oat (e.g., crown rust) and identify genes or genomic regions
associated with biotic and abiotic stress tolerance or other important traits in wheat and oat.
This person will also coordinate the Hard Red Spring Wheat (HRSW) Uniform Regional Nursery
and the Uniform Regional Scab (Fusarium head blight) Nursery with opportunities to utilize the
nurseries and the 92 years of data from the HRSW nursery in the research program.

There are abundant opportunities for collaborative research. The project is located on the
University of Minnesota campus in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, which has
a strong program in small grains breeding and genomics. The USDA-ARS-Cereal Disease
Laboratory is also located on campus and houses seven full time scientists focusing on rust
diseases and Fusarium head blight.

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are a hub for Fortune 500 businesses, arts and
culture, great food, sports teams, and outstanding educational and health facilities. It is known
for its parks and lakes and is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US. It is close to
recreational areas with more than 10,000 lakes, immense forests, and rugged bluffs.

For further information and complete application instructions, search for announcement ARS-
D23MWA-11903483-LSR at https://www.usajobs.gov/. U.S. Citizenship is required.

Applications must be received by the closing date of May 3, 2023.
Further information may also be obtained by contacting the Research Leader, Deborah Samac
(debby.samac@usda.gov).