Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open To The Public 

Employment Status: Full-Time, Temporary

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/8

Salary Range: Grant Funded

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties 
 

The Postdoctoral Scholar of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is an integral part of the visionary team of Land-grant professionals dedicated to supporting the mission of CAUSES to: “…offer research based academic and community outreach programs that improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for people and organizations in the District of Columbia, the nation, and the world.”

The Postdoctoral Scholar reports to the Director of the Center for Urban Research, Engagement and Scholarship (CURES) and will design, implement, and coordinate research initiatives that advance our knowledge about consumer preferences for varieties of Hibiscus sabdariffa (edible hibiscus; roselle; sorrel). Specifically, the Postdoctoral Scholar will help grow hibiscus at UDC’s Agricultural Experiment Station (Beltsville, MD), generate products to be evaluated in sensory panels, collect feedback from sensory panels with trained in-house sensory judges and untrained consumer panel members at the USDA-ARS, analyze data, contribute to reporting and presentations, and perform other related duties as assigned.

The incumbent must be a team player willing to work with UDC and external team members, perform all duties with a high degree of independence and initiative, communicate effectively, work well under pressure of deadlines, and be familiar (or familiarize themselves) with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of CAUSES, UDC, and program sponsors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
 

• Develops and implements a high-quality research program in collaboration with project partners in the area of interest.
• Works effectively and collaboratively with internal and external constituencies of CAUSES, including current and potential program sponsors, government agencies, non-profit & for-profit private sector entities, and students.
• Analyzes and publishes results through cooperative extension publications, grant reports, and high impact professional journals.
• Identifies additional funding sources and actively pursues grant opportunities to fund research.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements
 

• The incumbent will hold a PhD from an accredited college or university in an applicable field of study by time of appointment.
• Good organizational skills, attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and a self-driven curiosity are essential.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a scientific team.
• Knowledge of human subjects research and experience conducting community surveys and focus groups.
• Strong quantitative skills and an understanding of statistics are preferred.
• A demonstrated publication record, with publication of a literature review preferred.
• Success in garnering extramural funding to support research (preferred).

Information to Applicant

Condition of Employment:  Temporary employment may be ended at anytime with or without cause.

Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is not in the collective bargaining unit.

Employment Benefits: Depending upon length of appointment, selectee may or may not be eligible for full benefits such as health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia's retirement plan (TIAA-CREF).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability.  Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This job is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .