Working under the Section Supervisor, the incumbent serves as a Microbiologist responsible for performing the technical and operational aspects of the Microbiology Testing Unit of National Science Laboratories (NSL)-Gastonia.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Performs and conducts various microbiological, serological, and biochemical tests utilizing the results for identification of bacteria by making independent decisions based on a comprehensive knowledge of determinative bacteriology. Performs microbiological tests when assigned such as standard plate count, yeast mold, Staphylococcus, direct microscopic counts and other microorganisms on foods and agricultural commodities. Operates laboratory equipment and instrumentation utilized in the preparation and processing of samples for microbiological analysis. Assists other Microbiologists with maintaining an adequate inventory of media and supplies for the microbiological laboratory. Performs sample login, sample results entry, sample validation, and sample report generation with the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Evaluates data and quality controls for compliance to established acceptance criteria and then makes an interpretation of the test results as to whether it is consistent with quality standards. In accordance with the Quality Management System (QMS), prepares records and reports in support of analyses performed. Performs routine maintenance of the laboratory equipment used in the microbiology section. Assures equipment (microscopes, balances, analyzers, etc.) is clean, calibrated and working properly. Performs minor repairs on lab equipment. Provides recommendations for constant improvement and streamlining of tests/analyses for efficient operation.

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/.

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 in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-9 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Performing full range of microbiological analyses and tests on food samples in the laboratory. Expertise with operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation utilized for microbiological testing. Independently planning and carrying out work and resolving technical problems. Corresponding with customers including handling inquiries and reporting of sample results. Recognizing and mitigating issues and conditions that may have adverse effects on performance of team, instrumentation, and analysis methods. Implementing new testing and analytical methods involving either automated analytical systems or manual laboratory analytical procedures. Developing and suggesting improvements to processes that benefits the lab and customer. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree orPh.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. This education must be directly related to the position. 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 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 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]