This is a Health Scientist position is located within the BioRisk Management Branch, Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS), Office of Research Services (ORS), National Institutes of Health (NIH). The position is physically located at the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) in Hamilton, Montana and serves as the Biosafety Manager.

Duties

Serves as the Alternate Responsible Official (ARO) for the Select Agent Program and ensures compliance with Federal Select Agent Program requirements codified in 42 CFR Part 73, 7 CFR Part 331, 9 CFR Part 121. Manages the comprehensive safety activities within the RML Integrated Research Facility high and maximum containment laboratories to include laboratory safety inspections, injury and incident investigation, and safety programs. Develops, implements, and monitors safety programs directed toward providing competent and comprehensive periodic safety and health surveys of all high and maximum containment NIH work areas. Leads laboratory and equipment decontaminations and performs validation testing for new decontamination methodologies. Manages annual shutdowns and annual facility verification testing for high and maximum containment laboratories. Manages the RML Biosafety Training Program in course development and administration. Performs complex risk assessments for research proposals. Responds to facility alarms, incidents, and emergencies surrounding high and maximum containment laboratories.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of the pre-appointment process (i.e., background investigation, verification of qualifications and job requirements, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, etc.)
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements within thirty (30) calendar days of the closing date of this announcement, including time in grade.
• Position requires Education.
• Required to participate and meet all requirements of the NIH Biological Surety Program. Tier 3 background investigation and annual behavioral health assessments are included in the NIH BSP.
• Requires long periods of standing and bending when completing facility/lab surveys and risk assessments, and enrollment into the Animal Exposure Program.
• Requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and includes the donning and doffing of protective equipment suitable for entering Biosafety Level 3 and 4 containment laboratories.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for a Health Sciences Safety Specialist, GS-0601, position you must have successfully completed a full 4 year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree or graduate/higher level degree with major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. (This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained). In addition, in order to qualify for a Health Scientist, 0601 at the GS-13 level, you must have: at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: providing scientific and technical support for the planning and management of biosafety and Select Agent programs; providing guidance on the use of select agents and toxins in biomedical research; and preparing reports and documentation on safety programs for research on biodefense and infectious diseases. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12239007

Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.

Contacts

• Address National Institutes of Health 6701 Rockledge Drive Bethesda, MD 20892 US
• Name: Julie Vazquez
• Phone: 301-435-8721
• Email: [email protected]