As a microbiologist at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL), you will be responsible for providing technical expertise, organizing, and managing a wide variety of complex and standard techniques in performing diagnostic tests, reagent production, developmental studies, and training assignments related to animal pathogens assigned to the Section. Your expertise and accuracy will impact the scientific community as well as the livestock and poultry industries.

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: Responsible for the coordination and performance (in part) of technical functions leading to the detection, characterization and typing of pathogens. Assists supervisor in assuring work output of unit is of an acceptable quality and quantity. Advises and supports employees so solutions are identified when technical challenges arise within the unit. Prepares reports on diagnostic cases and projects, ensures correct reporting. Responds to requests for information from animal owners and members of the livestock industry. Keeps acquainted with new techniques, anticipating diagnostic needs, and training the team of biological technicians. Ensures that personnel working with select agents comply with the provisions of 9 CFR Part 121 and all NVSL Select Agent training requirements and SOPs. Ensures that all section personnel using animals comply with the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act and other relevant policies and regulations. Maintains laboratory records in accordance with all safety, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) regulations.

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 https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) database check required for work involving Biological Select Agents and Toxins.
• The normal physical demands include walking, standing, bending, reaching and pushing and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Some work is performed in biological safety hoods. Work also involves the occasional use of large and small animals.
• The work is performed in biosafety level 3 and biosafety level 2 laboratories where microorganisms pathogenic to humans and animals are isolated and identified.
• May be exposed to disagreeable odors when working around animals and steam sterilizers. May be exposed to hot and cold conditions, high noise levels, and harmful biological, chemical, and physical agents.
• Immunizations may be required. Protective devices such as gloves, goggles, face mask, or respirators may be required.
• Required to wear full face respirator when working in biological control areas; facial hair restrictions may be required to comply with proper operation of personal protective equipment.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Basic Requirement: 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 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 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: Independently performing and training others on a range of specialized tests for the isolation, detection, identification, and antibiotic sensitivity for a range of bacterial organisms. Working in BSL2 and/or BSL3 laboratories with pathogens. Developing new projects independently and troubleshooting technical problems without supervision. Collaborating and creating Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions and Forms which include ISO 17025 requirements. Providing technical advice to researchers, internal and external customers through written and verbal communications. Reviewing diagnostic cases and accurately generating reports for external customers. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree in microbiology, biological or veterinary science. 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-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: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]