Author
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Teasdale, John |
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Submitted to: Weed Science Society of America Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 10/2/2006 Publication Date: 2/5/2007 Citation: Teasdale, J.R. 2007. Employment opportunities for weed scientists in the usda agricultural research service. Weed Science Society of America Annual Meetings Abstracts. Presentation No. 152. Available: http://www.abstractsonline.com/viewer/viewsession.esp. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the agency that conducts in-house research within the United States Department of Agriculture. ARS conducts a broad research portfolio covering over 1200 projects at over 100 locations across the country. Weed science research is conducted on a range of topics within the categories “Weed Biology and Ecology”, “Chemical Control of Weeds”, “Biological Control of Weeds”, and “Weed Management Systems”. Research in ARS focuses on high risk, long-term projects of national importance that require stable funding. These are often projects that would not be conducted by industry and that require a longer-term commitment of resources than would be available from grant-funded projects. Projects cover fundamental processes that underlie weed ecology, biologically based weed control, and responses to management practices. Research on biological control, organic farming, and invasive species that are not conducted in the private sector are among targeted research areas. Candidates for research positions are selected according to civil service requirements based on demonstrated abilities to independently conduct a productive research program and to publish in peer-reviewed journals on a regular basis. Capacity to contribute to multi-disciplinary research teams has become a necessary prerequisite. Ability to regularly interact with non-technical audiences of customers and stakeholders as well as colleagues in the scientific community is essential. |
