This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Midwest Area, National Animal Disease Center, Virus and Prion Research Unit located in Ames, IA. In this position, you will conduct basic and applied research on selected diseases of economic importance to the U.S. livestock and poultry industries with a focus on influenza A virus in swine.

Duties

Performs virologic methods, cell culture, antibody or cell mediated immune assays, molecular techniques, and animal models (swine or ferret). Utilizes biosafety equipment, incubators, microscopes, molecular biologic equipment (nucleic acid extraction, RNA/DNA bio analyzer, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) instruments), and plate readers. Independently initiates action to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results or recommends resolution to supervisor. Collects, prepares, evaluates and verifies samples and supporting records. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Actively participates in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties, in a laboratory environment and contributes ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of the research. Adapts, modifies or develops new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born 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/

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. GS-07 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience assisting in research projects related to animals; operating standard laboratory equipment; and summarizing data from experiments. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Animal Science, Poultry Science, Virology, Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics or Biochemistry. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. GS-08 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-08 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience assisting in research projects related to poultry, cattle, swine or laboratory rodents; collecting or analyzing animal samples in a laboratory environment; and recording or analyzing scientific data related to a research project. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Animal Science, Poultry Science, Virology, Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics or Biochemistry. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. 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. Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a workday) contributed to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Work Environment: The work involved regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working with contagious disease or irritant chemicals. The employee is required to use protective clothing such as coveralls, laboratory coats, boots, safety glasses, masks, and gloves.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Jared Foret
• Phone: 7032599390
• Email: [email protected]