The selectee serves as an authority in molecular and biochemical diagnosis of plant pests and provides final identification of plant pathogens and other plant pests based on sophisticated state-of-the-art molecular and biochemical techniques for detecting, identifying, and differentiating plant pests, especially plant pathogens that threaten U.S. agriculture.

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 making final, authoritative molecular taxonomic determinations of plant pathogens and other plant pests intercepted at ports of entry from all parts of the world. Serves as an Agency authority in resolving scientific problems associated with organisms encountered in quarantine programs which require molecular or biochemical diagnostic work to determine their identity. Represents the Agency as a molecular and biochemical diagnostics expert (e.g. gives presentations at scientific meetings; serves on technical panels; participates in professional society meetings). Searches, reviews, and evaluates current foreign and domestic scientific literature and contacts colleagues for information on new diagnostic testing techniques. Evaluates benefit and feasibility of adopting or adapting new technology for Agency use and makes recommendations to appropriate Agency managers.

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.
• The selectee may work at times in a Bio-safety Level 3 agriculture facility that will require changing clothes into work-suits.
• APHIS and State policy requires changing clothing upon entry and showering prior to exit of the facility.
• The selectee may travel domestically and internationally and must be capable of handling personal luggage.
• The work requires the extensive reading of numerous scientific documents, prolonged use of highly specialized serological and molecular biological instruments, and frequent use of a computer.

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 in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement, applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience applying the scientific principles of plant pathology, virology, microbiology, molecular biology, or other related sciences to develop and evaluate methods to support plant pathogen regulatory programs for disease control, management, exclusion or eradication. Experience initiating and coordinating scientific investigations for the development and/or evaluation of advanced, fit-for-purpose, technologies or protocols used for plant pathogen detection and identification, with emphasis on plant viruses. Experience in development and validation of molecular and serological methods for diagnosis of plant pathogens, while focusing on quality control to ensure reliable outcomes. Relevant technologies include PCR, Real Time PCR, Isothermal and High-Throughput Sequencing. Experience with viral isolation from plant material, viral taxonomy and/or molecular characterization of plant viruses. Experience analyzing, summarizing and communicating technical scientific results to a diverse audience (academic, federal and state agencies, industry and other) both written and orally. Note: There is no education substitution for specialized experience at this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. 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]