Research Ecologist (term) in applied plant genetics/genomics - USGS (Flagstaff, Arizona)
The Southwest Biological Science Center anticipates hiring a term scientist with genetic and/or genomic expertise to contribute to ongoing collaborative research in support of the Bureau of Land Management's Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program (CPNPP). This scientist will be located in Flagstaff, Arizona, and will provide genetics expertise to the broad effort of identifying appropriate seed materials for ecological restoration throughout the Colorado Plateau and other dryland areas in the western United States. The scientist will collaborate closely with USGS and university researchers and staff at the BLM and other agencies and stakeholders to support implementation of the National Seed and Pollinator Research Strategies. Duties for this position include two primary categories. First, approximately 75-80% of duties involve conducting applied research as a member of a collaborative team. Specifically, the scientist will design and implement landscape-scale data collection and subsequent genomic analysis and assist in observational and manipulative experiments, including common gardens and field trials. The scientist will be responsible for leading research in the genetic characterization of plant material, using modern quantitative and molecular genetics techniques, including extraction of DNA from plant tissues, generate, analyze and interpret plant genetic information such as nuclear allelic data, isozyme data, and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) data. The scientist will use these results to assess the importance of genetic structure for plant fitness, determine what plant traits are plastic and which are genetically determined and identify plant material most likely to establish and thrive under current and future conditions across a range of different settings (edaphic, climatic and biotic) for the Colorado Plateau. This work will involve leading and contributing to synthesis and analysis of large, complex ecological datasets. Second, approximately 20-25% of the duties involve providing programmatic support for the CPNPP. These activities include contribution to strategic planning, compilation and synthesis of past and ongoing research and management activities within the region, developing seed collection guidelines, managing seed collections, communication and outreach with resource managers, and other related tasks that advance the mission of enhancing the quality and availability of native plant seed for dryland restoration and rehabilitation. Success in this position will be evaluated based on 1) production and dissemination of state-of-the-art scientific publications which demonstrate advances in applied understanding of plant species and populations that provide optimal seed sources for current and future dryland restoration; 2) engagement with and contributions to the collaborative research activities of the USGS, BLM, and university scientists; and 3) effective and timely support of the CPNPP, including regular contributions to the program's strategic mission and operational activities. The position is open to US citizens until March 6, and applications can be submitted via USAJOBS at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/491223900.
