**Department:** Department Of Agriculture

**Agency:** Agricultural Research Service

**Sub Agency:** Nutritional Determinants of Health

**Job Announcement Number:** ARS-X8W-0008

**Interdisciplinary: Research Psychologist/Research
Physiologist/Research Nutritionist, Research Leader**

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **Salary Range:** 89115 to 136273 | **Open Period:** 10/10/2007 to    |
| USD Per Year                      | **11/14/2007\*\***                |
|                                   |                                   |
| GS-14: \$89,115 - \$115,848;      |                                   |
| GS-15: \$104,826 - \$136,273 per  |                                   |
| annum                             |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **Series & Grade:** GS-0180,      | **Position Information:**         |
| 0413, 0630-14/15                  | Full-Time Permanent               |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
|                                   | **Duty Location:** 1 vacancy -    |
|                                   | Grand Forks, ND                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

**\*\* Announcement Amended to Extend Closing Date \*\***

**Who May Be Considered:**

Applications will be accepted from US Citizens, from current and former
competitive service Federal employees, and people eligible under special
hiring authorities.

**Job Summary:**

Seeking a permanent, full-time scientist to serve as Research Leader in
the Nutritional Determinants of Health Management Research unit located
at the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center (GFHNRC), in Grand
Forks, ND.  The incumbent is responsible for conducting independent
research and leading a multidisciplinary research unit focused on the
health roles of foods and food factors.

**[Your U.S. citizenship must be verified before entrance on
duty.]{.underline}**

**Major Duties:**

Incumbent serves as a Supervisory Research Scientist and Research Leader
for the Nutritional Determinants of Health Management Research Unit of
the USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center (GFHNRC) in
Grand Forks, North Dakota.  The Unit is comprised of research chemists,
research nutritionists, research biologists and research physiologists
whose primary mission is to focus on food habits, physical activity, and
other lifestyle factors relevant to obesity prevention and maintenance
of healthy body weight.  The specific program components include Diet,
Genetics, Lifestyle in Prevention of Obesity and Disease, and Health
Promoting Intervention Strategies for Targeted Populations.

As Research Leader, the incumbent is responsible for fostering the
scientific productivity, quality and impact of the unit and the
professional development of its member scientists.  This is accomplished
through scientific meetings, mentoring minor scientists, reviewing
manuscripts, drafts, etc.  The incumbent plans, implements, and reports
the results of research on diet-physical activity interventions to
prevent obesity and to promote physiological and/or cognitive function
and health in the context of maintaining a healthy body weight.  The
incumbent conducts both independent research and multi-disciplinary,
team-based research to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of
combined physical activity, dietary and behavioral interventions to
prevent obesity and maintain a healthy body weight, and develops
collaborations with university, community, industry, and government
scientists.

**[Working Conditions and Other Considerations:]{.underline}**

**This position requires the selectee to undergo a pre-employment check
and a full background investigation.  Any offer made is considered a
tentative offer pending the outcome of the pre-employment check. 
Retention in the position is based upon a favorable adjudication of the
background investigation.  The incumbent will be subject to periodic
reinvestigations**.

**Qualifications:**

Your education and experience will be evaluated against all
qualification requirements (basic and any additional requirements)
listed below.

**Basic Requirements:**

[GS-0180-Research Psychology]{.underline} - Degree: major or equivalent
in psychology for all specializations except clinical psychology and
counseling psychology.

[GS-0413-Research Physiologist]{.underline} - Degree: in one of the
basic animal sciences or physiology; or a related discipline or field of
science that included at least 24 semester hours in the basic animal
sciences, of which 10 semester hours were in animal physiology.

[GS-0630-Research Nutritionist]{.underline} - Degree: dietetics, food,
nutrition, food service management, institution management, or related
science.

**[In Addition]{.underline}**, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree is
required.

**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 grade point average or class ranking
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 Requirements:**

GS-14: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the
GS-13 level.

GS-15: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the
GS-14 level.

**Time-In-Grade Restrictions apply for all candidates considered under
Merit Promotion/Alternative Merit Promotion.**

**Specialized Experience** is experience which has equipped you with the
following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - \'KSAs\' required to perform
the duties of this position:

1\. Knowledge of physiology and nutrition as they relate to health
practices and lifestyle changes.

2\. Knowledge of energy metabolism.

3\. Skill in managing human, fiscal and physical resources to accomplish
research program objectives.

4\. Ability to lead a multidisciplinary research team, and interact with
high level officials in government, industry, and universities;
customers, partners, stakeholders, and support personnel.

5\. Ability to conceive, plan, conduct, and report research results in
scientific, peer-reviewed journals.

**Supervisory/Managerial Competencies:**

1\. Ability to lead and accomplish work through others (i.e. team
building, conflict management, cultural awareness, strategic thinking,
technology management, and political savvy.

2\. Ability to communicate with individuals or groups from diverse
backgrounds in a variety of situations.

**To be considered for a research scientist position, you must submit a
one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Also,
submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar
with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards
received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to
make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society
office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation);
and publications.**

**Vacant research positions may be filled at one of several grade levels
depending upon the scientific impact of the person selected. A peer
review may be required to determine the appropriate grade level of the
position and supplemental materials may be required from the selectee.**

**Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential. Research
accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of
positions are evaluated periodically. The grade level is limited only by
the individual\'s demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized
importance to science and technology. \*Final grade level may be
determined by a peer review panel.**

**Education:** Graduate education must be directly related to the work
of the position and must have equipped you with the knowledge, skills
and abilities necessary to do the work. Education completed in foreign
colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if
you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received
in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is
your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Please visit
the Office of Personnel Management\'s website at
[http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.htm#e4a]{.underline} for
additional information on this topic.

**How Will You Be Evaluated:**

You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the basic and any
additional requirements.  The Agricultural Research Service uses a
category rating process.  Based on evaluation of all written materials
submitted in application for the position, you will be determined to be
Ineligible, if you do not meet eligibility and/or minimum qualifications
criteria; Eligible, if you meet all eligibility and minimum
qualifications criteria; OR Quality, if you meet quality criteria in
addition to eligibility and minimum qualifications criteria.  For
information about how to address KSAs, please visit our website at
[www.ars.usda.gov/careers]{.underline}, click on \'How to Apply,\' then
click on \'What are those KSAs anyway?\'  For more information about the
evaluation process, please visit our website at: 
[www.ars.usda.gov/careers]{.underline}, click on \'How to Apply,\'
then click on the link to \'Qualifications and What They Mean.\'

**Benefits:**

A Benefits Package is authorized for this position.  Additional
information about Federal benefits can be obtained at
[www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.htm]{.underline}.

**Other Information:**

**Veteran's Preference:**

For further details, call the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
at 703-724-1850 or TDD 978-461-8404.  Select General Information on the
Federal Employment Policies and Procedures, and then Veteran's
Preference and Special Appointing Authorities for Veterans.  Visit their
VetGuide website at
[http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp]{.underline}.

**Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA): ** Qualified
candidates eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of
1998 (VEOA), a special hiring authority, will be considered.  VEOA
eligibles are preference eligibles or veterans who have been separated
from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more
of active service.  Veterans who are released under honorable conditions
shortly before completing a 3-year tour are also eligible.

**Creditable Service:**

Service credit for annual leave accrual may be granted for directly
related non-Federal work experience or uniformed service for newly
appointed individuals, or those individuals reappointed after a break in
service from civilian Federal employment of at least 90 calendar days. 
The amount of non-Federal service to be credited will be based on the
amount of directly related and documented experience that the selectee
possesses as documented by the employee and which is approved by agency
management.

**Relocation Expenses:**

Payment of relocation expenses will be determined in accordance with P&P
412.5, Recruitment and Retention Incentives and Other Special Pay,
Sections 6 and 7, as amended by Bulletins 03-402 and 05-412.5, which may
be found at
[http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppweb/412-05.htm#H10]{.underline}.  See
also
[http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/staffing_recruit/reloweb.htm]{.underline}.

**Financial Disclosure Requirement:**

Federal employees are subject to prohibitions against officially dealing
with outside organizations in which they have a financial interest.  If
hired for this position, you will be required to submit a financial
disclosure report within 30 days of the effective date of your
appointment and annually thereafter. 

**False statements:**

If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may
not be hired; may be fired after beginning work; or may be fined or
jailed.

**Optional Form 306, (Declaration for Federal Employment**):

If you are selected for this position, you will be required to complete
this form before an offer may be made.

**USDA Surplus/Federal Displaced Employees:**

Applicants requesting consideration under the CTAP or ICTAP programs
must submit documentary evidence of eligibility.  Well qualified CTAP
and ICTAP applicants within the local commuting area will receive
selection priority as provided by OPM regulations.  Well-qualified means
the applicant meets the basic qualification and eligibility requirements
and all selective factors; is rated above minimally qualified against
the KSAs or quality criteria; and is able to satisfactorily perform the
duties of the position upon entry.  If you are requesting consideration
as a CTAP or ICTAP applicant, you must submit the following:

1)      A copy of your RIF Separation Notice or Certification of
Expected Separation or other documentation indicating that you are a
surplus employee;

2)      Evidence of full performance level of current position;

3)      A copy of your most recent performance appraisal; and

4)      A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel
Action.

**Selective Service System:**

Males over age 18 who were born after December 31, 1959, must have
registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to
be eligible for Federal employment.

**ARS Reasonable Accommodation Contact Information:**

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application
and hiring process, or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation
and/or accessibility for any part of the application and hiring process,
please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-6161 or through
the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD). 

**How to Apply:**

Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate
address and/or facsimile number, but they must be **postmarked** by
11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date.

If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send
zipped files.  They will be removed in accordance with standard
electronic security procedures.

If hand delivered, be sure your application is received in the Human
Resources Division on or before closing date.

**If application packages do not contain all of the requested
information, you may lose consideration for the job.  To help you ensure
your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for
this position, please submit the following documentation as
appropriate.   Some of the items listed may not apply to you.  NOTE: 
Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be
considered.**

**APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST**

\_\_ Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal
Employment), Resume, Curriculum Vitae, or other document outlining your
qualifications (Go to
[http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp]{.underline} and scroll down to
obtain the OF-612).

**The following information is required of all applicants:**

\_\_ Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position

\_\_ Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening
phone numbers (with area code)

\_\_ Social security number

\_\_ Statement that you are a U.S. citizen (if not using the OF-612)

\_\_Copy of DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active
Duty) (only if claiming veteran's preference) (Visit the following web
site for additional information:
[http://www.opm.gov/employ/veterans/html/vetguide.asp]{.underline}

\_\_SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference) plus the
support documentation required by this form (if claiming 10-point
veteran's preference) (Go to the web site at
[http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp]{.underline} to obtain form.)

\_\_ Paid and non-paid work experience related to the position.  For
each period of work experience include:

          \_\_\_Job title

          \_\_\_Series/grade (if Federal employment)

          \_\_\_Duties and accomplishments

          \_\_\_Employer's name and address

          \_\_\_Supervisor's name and contact information

          \_\_\_Starting and ending dates of employment (at least
month/year)

          \_\_\_Number of hours worked per week

          \_\_\_Salary

          \_\_\_Indicate if we may contact current supervisor/employer

\_\_ Other job related information, such as training courses (title &
year); skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools,
etc.)

          \_\_\_Certificates/licenses (current)

          \_\_\_Honors, awards, and special accomplishments

          \_\_\_Supplemental questionnaire if applicable

                (usually for Federal Wage System positions - WG, WL, WS)

\_\_ Copy of college transcripts (if qualifying all or in part on the
basis of education for this position) (If you have non-conventional
education, e.g., foreign study, continuing education units, life
experience, etc., go to the web site at
[http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.htm#e4a]{.underline} and
look under the heading "Other Education" for information governing
acceptability of this type of education.)

\_\_ Copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify
possession of competitive civil service status (if you are a current or
previous federal employee)

\_\_ Copy of most recent performance appraisal (if you are a current
federal employee)

\_\_ Second copy of application package IF you are a candidate with
competitive status.  (NOTE:  All status candidates who wish to be
considered under both alternative merit promotion and non-status
competitive examining must submit two (2) complete applications when the
position is open to both status and non-status candidates.  When only
one (1) application is received, it will be considered under the
alternative merit promotion procedures if the applicant is a current or
former Federal employee with reinstatement eligibility.)

\_\_ Support documentation for eligibility for special hiring
authorities, such as disability, Peace Corps service, etc.  (If you have
questions about whether you are eligible for a particular hiring
authority, please call the servicing HR specialist or visit the web site
at
[http://www.opm.gov/Strategic_Management_of_Human_Capital/fhfrc/default.asp]{.underline} .

\_\_ Support documentation if you are a USDA surplus or federal
displaced employee (See pertinent section under "Other Important
Information" below.

\_\_ Self-certification of typing speed (if required as a basic
qualification for the position)

\_\_ While not required, a separate response to the required knowledge,
skills, and abilities (KSAs listed under Specialized Experience) and
Selective Placement Factor(s), if present, for this position may better
highlight your specific qualifications for this position.  (For an
explanation of KSAs, go to the web site at
[http://www.ars.usda.gov/careers/whatksa.html]{.underline}).

**As an Applicant for a Research Scientist Position, you must also
submit the following:**

\_\_  A one-page abstract of MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation

\_\_  A resume of any honors or awards received; memberships in
professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at
scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee
assignments; presentations (other than invitations); and publications.

\_\_  A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar
with your stature, contributions, and recognition.

If this is your first time applying for a federal job, or if you wish to
view more detailed information about  various aspects of applying for
federal jobs, go to
[http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp]{.underline} and scroll down to
access the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Optional Form 510.

**Location Contact Information:  Isela Losek, (701) 795-8370**

**Contact Information:**

Keli A. Martin

Phone: 301-504-1584

Fax: 301-504-1535

TDD: 202-855-1234

Internet: SCIRECRUIT@ARS.USDA.GOV

Or Write:

Department Of Agriculture

USDA-REE-ARS-HRD/ARS-X8W-0008

5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Stop #5106

Beltsville MD 20705-5106

E-MAIL:SCIRECRUIT@ARS.USDA.GOV

**What to Expect Next:**

Applicants will receive written confirmation from this office when their
application package is received.

After the application has been received, applicants will not be notified
of the status of their paperwork until a final selection has been made.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the
basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political
affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age,
membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants
with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable
accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should
contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for
reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were
separated under honorable conditions may be eligible for veterans'
preference. For service beginning after October 15, 1976, the veteran
must have served the required length of time and have a Campaign Badge,
Expeditionary Medal, a service-connected disability, or have served in
the Gulf War between August 2, 1990, and January 2, 1992.

The Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) gives veterans access to
job vacancies that might otherwise be closed to them. The law allows
eligible veterans to compete for vacancies advertised under agency's
promotion procedures when the agency is seeking applications from
outside of its own workforce.

To claim veterans' preference, veterans should be ready to provide a
copy of their DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active
Duty, or other proof. Veterans with service connected disability and
others claiming 10 point preference will need to submit Form SF-15,
Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference.

For more specifics on all veterans employment issues such as Veterans
preference or special appointing authorities see the VetGuide.

Social Security Number - Your Social Security Number is requested under
the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records
from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by
law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to
seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others
who may know you. Failure to provide your Social Security Number on your
application materials, will result in your application not being
processed.

Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested
here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is
authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.

Signature - Before you are hired, you will be required to sign and
certify the accuracy of the information in your application.

False Statements - If you make a false statement in any part of your
application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin
work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary
action.

Selective Service - If you are a male applicant born after December 31,
1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective
Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective
Service Law.