Summary The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency and one of the world's premiere scientific organizations. ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientist's research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture. This position is located on Global Change & Photosynthesis Research Unit in Urbana, Illinois. ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR 03/12/2025 Responsibilities Increase the efficiency and productivity of photosynthesis, growth, and yield of crop plants, especially in the context of global climate change and environmental uncertainty. Develop a basic model of N allocation in soybean for the BioCro model and validate with field data. Examine details of protein quality, including amino acid composition and linking genetics to protein quality and concentration in model. Identify ways to accelerate breeding of soybean meal with protein composition that is desirable for livestock production. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications This position requires a Ph.D in Biology, Genetics, Crop Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. The ideal incumbent should have experience with mathematical modeling, such as with ordinary differential equation systems and computer language programming along with analyzing results and writing manuscripts. Familiarity with plant physiology, in particular, N metabolism and field experimentation is highly desirable. Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard's requirements of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Plant Physiology Series, 0435 A. Degree: botany or plant physiology; or a related scientific discipline that included at least 10 semester hours in plant physiology. General Physical Science Series, 1301 A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR B. Combination of education and experience: education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Education This position has a positive education requirement. You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position. If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty. Application materials will not be returned. Additional Information Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.