This is an interdisciplinary position and the incumbent may be a Molecular Biologist, Microbiologist, Chemist, or Food Technologist. The work requires the incumbent to have analytical knowledge and ability to apply quality assurance principles and techniques with analytical laboratory tests, processes and techniques. The incumbent ensures NSL quality assurance complies with Science & Tech program policies, directives, and the requirements of domestic or international standards.

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: Interacts with all levels of lab staff and management to ensure the NSL Quality Management System (QMS) is suitable and fit-for-purpose. Monitors operations to verify adherence to quality plans and requirements; analyzes and investigates adverse quality trends or conditions; and initiates and monitors corrective actions. Evaluates methods and procedures for suitability. Provides input and support to the development of new or adopted laboratory methods. Demonstrates commitment to compliance with the ISO/IEC 17025 standard and other quality standards as appropriate. Assures that the QMS is established, implemented, and maintained in conformance with internal and external requirements. Manages document and record control. Writes standard operating procedures, manuals, and reports; and designs checklists, worksheets, and forms; to support day-to-day activities. Organizes and conducts audits and/or management reviews (MR). Conducts internal audits in a professional and logical manner, maintaining objectivity to identify fact-based evidence, and providing on Communicates all audit findings to Management and assists with the corrective action process by facilitating investigations. Assists in planning and developing training programs for NSL personnel. Manages FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests.

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/

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 FOR THE 0401 SERIES: 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 in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR THE 1320 SERIES: Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. or Combination of education and experience: Course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR THE 0403 SERIES: Degree: 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 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. BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR THE 1382 SERIES: Degree: food technology, or dairy technology, microbiology, biology, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline or field of biological or physical science. The course work must have been comprised of at least 30 semester hours in the basic biological and physical sciences, and included at least 20 semester hours in food technology and closely related subjects, or 20 semester hours in subjects that can be applied directly to food technology. or Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, including the course work specified, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-09 GRADE LEVEL FOR THE 0401/1320/0403/1382 JOB SERIES: 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: Performing the duties associated with a Quality Management System accredited to ISO 17025 International Standard and AOAC International Guidelines for Laboratories Performing Microbiological and Chemical Analyses of Food, Dietary Supplements, and Pharmaceuticals. Performing corrective action processes with limited oversight including initiating, investigating, performing root cause analysis. Auditing laboratory functions and writing reports of findings. Using certified reference material, proficiency testing programs and quality control charting related to quality assurance practices. OR 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in courses relating to each individual basic requirement per job series. Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. FOR THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL FOR THE 0401/1320/0403/1382 JOB SERIES: 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: Performing and monitoring a Quality Management System accredited to ISO 17025:2017 International Standard and AOAC International Guidelines for Laboratories Performing Microbiological and Chemical Analyses of Food, Dietary Supplements, and Pharmaceuticals under the direction of supervisor or senior employee. Handling corrective action processes including initiating, investigating, performing root cause analysis and assisting in implementing actions. Auditing laboratory functions and collaborating with management to address findings. Maintaining records to ensure the accuracy and defensibility of the laboratory and audit data. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in courses relating to each individual basic requirement per job series. Note: 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-09/11 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 Agricultural Marketing Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]