USDA ARS Seeks National Program Leader for National Plant Germplasm System

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Office of National Program in Beltsville, Maryland invites applications for a permanent, full-time position as National Program Leader (NPL) who will provide mission-critical leadership and direction to the ARS National Plant Germplasm System. Candidate will provide national leadership and liaison for program planning, coordinating, implementing, maintaining, and reporting on the Nation’s plant genetic resources and related genetics and genomics research programs. The successful candidate will have broad expertise in plant sciences and will provide exceptional judgment in formulating highly technical recommendations involving a wide variety of specialized and complex plant genetic resource management, genetic enhancement, and applied research projects. Candidate’s background in research may include plant genetic resource management, plant breeding, plant genetics, plant biology, plant physiology, plant pathology, molecular biology, or a closely related field. ARS’s National Plant Germplasm System is comprised of national and regional plant genetic resource management, genetic enhancement, and applied research programs related to plant genetic resource conservation and sustainable use of more than 200 major crops from more than 16,000 species. ARS Office of National Programs is located at ARS headquarters under the direction of the ARS Associate Administrator and Deputy Administrators for ARS National Programs that serve to bring coordination, communication, and empowerment to approximately 660 research projects carried out by ARS scientists at field locations. National Programs focus on the relevance, impact, and quality of ARS research. The salary range is$163,964 to $191,900 per year and a comprehensive Federal benefits package is available. The application period is open from 28 March 2024 to 26 April 2024. For more details and to apply, please visit USAJOBS.gov, Announcement Number ARS-S24Y-12362635-MDK. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Jack Okamuro at jack.okamuro@usda.gov. For information about ARS ONP, visit https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/.