What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? The Government-wide direct hire authority for Biological Science GS-0401 is being used to fill this position. Salary: $82,764 (Step 01) to $107,590 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.

Duties

The position is located in the Reston Microbiology Laboratory within the USGS Geology, Energy, and Minerals Science Center in Reston, VA. The lab conducts critical science to meet the needs of the Nation, including environmental microbiology research aimed at understanding the role of microorganisms in contaminated and pristine ecosystems. The lab carries out a diverse array of research including projects aimed at understanding (1) microbial degradation of hydrocarbons at crude oil spill sites; (2) biodegradation of PFAS compounds; and (3) ecological responses of microbes to impacts from oil and gas production. The lab uses methods from microbiology, molecular biology, and biogeochemistry, such as DNA-based sequencing and anaerobic and aerobic cultivation.

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Biologist, all grade levels. A. Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. *OR* B. Combination of education and experience--courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position), plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years. The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to that acquired through successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE) For GS-11: In addition to the basic education requirements as stated above, applicants must meet one of the following: Possess 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph. D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. **OR Possess one year of specialized experience at or equal to the next lower grade level. Examples of experience at the GS-09 level work may include: Experience participating in or conducting studies in the areas of microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, microbial biogeochemistry, and/or aquatic microbial ecology. Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities include: Proficiency in DNA extractions and PCR assays for environmental samples (e.g., water, sediments, soils). - Experienced with bioinformatic and analyses pipelines (e.g., mothur and/or QIIME2; R) for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. **OR Possess a combination of graduate level education as described in above, beyond the first two years of progressive graduate study, and appropriate professional experience that together meet the qualification requirements for this position. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

• 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, knowledge, and skills 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 completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs .

Contacts

• Address GEOLOGY, ENERGY AND MINERALS SC 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Mail Stop 600 Reston, VA 20192 US
• Name: Samantha Albino
• Phone: 703-648-7468
• Email: [email protected]