About the Position: The Special Pathogens Laboratory, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), conducts clinical and environmental testing of samples suspected to contain infectious diseases to include biological warfare agents. The Laboratory is on call (24/7/365) and also operates in overseas locations. The position requires working with Select Agents in Biosafety Level BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories.

Duties

Characterize the macromolecular components of pathogenic bacteria to determine their roles in pathogenesis, expression during disease and their use in methods for rapid pathogen detection, diagnosis and identification. Isolate and chemically characterize cellular components of bacterial biological warfare (BW) agents. Develop new approaches to bacterial identification and implement them for rapid detection of BW agents. Perform cultivation of bacteria that include highly pathogenic microorganisms. Perform taxonomic and experimental investigations or simulation of experiments and conditions to determine the nature, magnitude, and inter-relationships of natural and social phenomena and processes. Develop new laboratory procedures and reagents to provide laboratory services to researchers in the area of diagnostic microbiology. Present findings and results, in writing or orally, for higher level review or publication. Use computer software and input data for complex data reporting. Collaborate in training initiatives, such as training for the Field Identification of Biological Warfare Agents program.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Top Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
• Pre-employment and random drug testing is required.
• Three-year probationary period may be required.
• Incumbent must participate in the Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP) and the Occupational Health Surveillance Program (OHSP); see more information under "Additional Information" below

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) is participating in an alternative personnel system known as the Personnel Demonstration Project (PDP). The DB-02 pay band is equivalent to the GS-05 step 1 to GS-12 step 10 level. HOWEVER,management has elected to announce at the higher end of the pay band (GS-11 to GS-12). In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Experience conducting clinical/environmental sample testing for infectious diseases, under one of the following regulatory environment: International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation (COLA), and/or Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA); 2) Experience performing laboratory management, such as coordinating/tracking equipment maintenance requirements, inventory control, or developing routine standard operating procedures; 3) Experience working with Quality Assurance program coordinators and/or inspectors to maintain accreditations and data quality; and 4) Experience applying microbiological, molecular, and/or immunological techniques for sample testing/characterization of infectious diseases such as bacterial/viral propagation, real-time Polymrease chain reaction (PCR), sequencing, or immunoassays. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09). -OR- Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Microbiology, Biology, or Molecular Biology. -OR- Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: BiologyResearchTeamworkTechnical Credibility

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Contacts

• Address BB-APF-W4GPAA USA MED RESRCH INST OF INFECT DIS DO NOT MAIL Frederick, MD 21702 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk
• Email: [email protected]