This position serves as a Biologist at the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) within the Wildlife Services (WS) Program for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The work is primarily concerned with the development of tools for microbial detection and characterization and basic microbiological research.

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: Lead laboratory and field-based studies which support the detection, enumeration, and characterization of microorganisms. Independently and collaboratively plan, organize, and create investigational studies for developing, improving, and validating new laboratory methodology. Utilize morphological, biochemical, immunological, genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and/or metabolomic data to support Agency microbial research and diagnostic objectives. Maintain accurate records sufficient to reproduce experiments and verify that procedures are conducted in accordance with established policies and regulations. Analyze, interpret, and disseminate findings in the form of reports, presentations, and publications in scientific journals. Attend local, regional, national, and international meetings to present scientific information, exchange ideas, and provide technical guidance. Develop and write project plans, technology transfer agreements, and extramural research grant proposals that address Agency research and diagnostic priorities. Serves as a resource for APHIS, collaborators, and for WS laboratory and field personnel, in providing subject matter expertise and addressing agency needs. Performs other duties as assigned by the Unit Leader.

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.
• 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 one-year trial period.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Exposure to pathogenic microorganisms and hazardous chemicals is possible.

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: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in 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, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the basic requirement applicants must also possess: 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: Independent development of professional scientific projects and troubleshooting technical problems without supervision. Communication of technical information to researchers, internal and external customers through written and verbal communications. Specialized testing for the isolation, detection, identification, and characterization of pathogenic microorganisms. Analysis, interpretation, and reporting of next-generation sequencing data including quality control, genome assembly, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) analyses, and molecular phylogeny. Analyzing, interpreting, and compiling scientific data for peer-reviewed publication and presentation. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a field of study directly related to the work of this position as described in the vacancy announcement. 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]