Incumbent is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of a complete Quality Management System (QMS) for routine and non-routine confirmatory diagnostics using a variety of sophisticated state-of-the-art technologies for the detection, identification, and differentiation of regulatory plant pests /pathogens that threaten the U.S. agriculture and national resources.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Implementation and maintenance of Laboratory Quality Assurance (QA) ensuring compliance requirements and accreditation. Works with Laboratory Director and the PPQ, ST Quality Manager to assure consistency with ST-wide standards, policies, and objectives. Specializes in QA and in the implementation of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) as they apply to molecular/biochemical diagnostic testing. Oversees routine diagnostic activities of Lab personnel including: coordinating sample flow, physical maintenance of the diagnostic lab, supplies and reagents. Maintains secure testing results database (LIMS) and documents control procedures in compliance with accreditation requirements Monitors documentation to track progress of activities, communicates results with CPHST-BL staff and other concerned parties, as appropriate. Maintains laboratory equipment inventory and is responsible for the establishing and conducting of equipment calibration schedules as required. Completes diagnostic activities through onsite (internal) audits and targeted assessment of the laboratory quality system to insure compliance. Recommends modification and improvements of the Laboratory QMS.

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/
• 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.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.

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: 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 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: Experience with laboratory accreditation with emphasis in ISO and or other accrediting body standards as they pertain to diagnostic laboratories, GLP and QMS principles, procedures and implementation applicable to molecular, serological or biochemical diagnostic tests. Developed and evaluated quality system documentation including quality manuals, standard operating procedures, analytical methods protocols, instrument manuals, forms, databases, and spreadsheets. Conducted processes improvement management, examples include but are not limited to identifying technical problems, proposing solutions to molecular laboratory procedures, techniques or processes, and monitoring progress and impact. Utilize and recommend improvements on Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for documentation of samples, tests results and reagents. Develops written reports and presentations. Develops and provides technical training. OR Successful completion of 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate 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 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]