This position is located with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Foodborne Toxin Detection & Prevention Research Unit, Albany, CA. In this position, you will conduct individual and collaborative research to understand the mechanisms of contamination of foods by toxins and toxigenic microorganisms.

Duties

Develop methods to elucidate the mechanisms of the transmission and dissemination of toxins and the pathogens that produce the toxins in food producing animals and crops, and their interactions within the populations and communities. Develop and validate new assays to detect and characterize foodborne toxins, and to develop and implement strategies, technologies, and commercially viable methodologies for the prevention of foodborne toxins and toxigenic microbes. Develop novel methods for the mitigation of bacterial, fungal, or algal toxin contamination of the food supply. Use both standard and innovative biological, chemical, and microbiological methodologies that enable the prevention of the contamination of foods with toxins and toxigenic microbes. Research involving dual-use select agents under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) containment. Understand the transmission and dissemination of toxins and the pathogens that produce the toxins in food producing animals and crops, and the interactions within the populations and communities.

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.
• 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/
• Successful completion of a three year probationary period.

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 Requirements for General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series, 0401 Degree: biological sciences, animal science, cell and molecular biology, physiology, neuroscience, biochemistry, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12 Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: conducting research related to contamination of foods by toxins and toxigenic microorganisms; detecting toxins in complex food matrices; and preventing toxins and toxigenic microbes from contaminating foods; and analyzing experimental data to be used in manuscripts for publication. GS-13 Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: conducting research to develop and validate new assays to detect and characterize foodborne toxins; developing and implementing strategies, technologies, and commercially viable methodologies for the prevention of foodborne toxins and toxigenic microbes from entering the food chain; composing manuscripts for publication; and working with internal and external stakeholders. 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. To further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral. Also, please submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 800 Buchanan Street Albany, CA 94710 US
• Name: Ehila Melton
• Phone: 5716694043
• Email: [email protected]