The incumbent serves as a Molecular Biologist (Molecular Project Support Specialist) to support pest identification with the use of molecular technology; provides support to senior Molecular Biologists (Plant Pathologists) in finding cryptic pests and identifying virtually all pests and assists them with special projects involving the use of molecular biological technology in the disciplines of plant pathology, mycology, bacteriology, virology, and nematology.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Assists in the compilation of the datasets of molecular sequences of intercepted plant pests. Collaborates with Molecular Biologists to learn about management of the datasets of molecular sequences for other pests that threaten U.S. agriculture. Assumes technical operational responsibility for planning, performing, and recording diagnostic laboratory activities within the quarantine program. Conducts diagnostic activities related to many pests intercepted at ports of entries or from domestic surveys which require molecular identification. Performs classical, real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCR) sequencing using the Sanger method and sequence analysis to identify pests from port interceptions and domestic surveys. Modifies written Agency protocols in order to improve the identification of pests of various life stages as applied to taxonomy of pests of regulatory significance. Assists other scientists in developing, adapting, and implementing new laboratory protocols for identifying pests of regulatory concern. Assists in the deployment and use of molecular technology in relation to identification activities. Maintains accurate and detailed experimental records and tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using appropriate software and computer equipment.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• The incumbent could encounter plant pathogens of high risk or Select Agents outlined in the 7 CFR 331 that will require the incumbent to submit to an FBI background investigation.
• The incumbent may experience long work hours, weekend work, and travel.
• The incumbent is required to extensively read numerous scientific documents, use highly specialized serological and molecular biological instruments for prolonged periods of time, and frequently use a computer.
• Working with toxic chemical agents is common in a laboratory setting, and the incumbent must observe and follow appropriate safety precautions.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience using molecular techniques including conventional PCR, real-time PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis, and other molecular and/or serological methods. Independently carries out day-to-day technical operations of the laboratory and follows good laboratory practices. Executes laboratory activities planned by senior staff, and assists with maintaining databases and tissue/culture collections with little supervision. Experience maintaining inventories of chemicals, supplies, equipment, office supplies, and other items. Analyzes, summarizes data, and generates written/oral reports for senior staff and/or supervisor. OR 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines leading to a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience using and troubleshooting advanced molecular techniques including conventional PCR, real-time PCR, isothermal amplification, Sanger and Next Generation (high throughput) sequence analyses, and other molecular and/or serological methods. Experience in planning and conducting molecular experiments independently while focusing on quality control to ensure reliable outcomes and following good laboratory practices. Plans and executes laboratory activities with little input by senior staff, provides training and maintain databases and share point sites and/or tissue/culture collections. Experience applying statistical and/or bioinformatic analyses to diagnostic, methods and reference material development and validation data. Generates written/oral reports including trainings presentations, and present to internal and external stakeholders. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines leading to such a degree. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-09 OR GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: APHIS Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]