This is an APHIS Science Fellow position. The position assists Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) with enhancing the framework for risk assessment and management of genetically modified microorganisms.

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. In the first year, focus on developing more standardized procedures and guidelines (new risk assessment methods and management strategies) for release permit applications for modified microorganisms. The second year, provide a clearer understanding of how new microbial species can be evaluated in a regulatory and risk management context for regulatory decision-making processes. Identifies data and information needs for risk assessment of modified microbes in the agricultural ecosystem and their use in bioremediation. Identifies and assesses the impact of information and data absence and uncertainty on risk assessment outcomes. Develops conceptual risk assessment approaches and identifies potential risk thresholds or assessment outcomes that could inform decision-making. Assist in the development of draft guidance for product evaluation, risk assessment, and risk mitigation for the transition from laboratory to small scale field testing. Also serving as a liaison between APHIS and other regulatory agencies and foster interagency discussions. Depending upon the progress and relevance of the incumbent’s efforts, this position may be extended for up to two additional years.

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.
• On occasion, it may be necessary to lift or carry reports, publications, and similar objects, as well as perform extended walking and standing associated with on-site reviews and inspections.
• Travel to scientific, regulatory, professional, and other related meetings both within and outside the Washington, D.C. area will be necessary, including by commercial conveyances, such as by plane or railway.

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: Designing and conducting research or development activities in the biological or agricultural sciences involving one or more of the following: molecular biology, molecular or population genetics, evolutionary ecology, entomology, wildlife ecology, gene drives, or mathematical modeling Working on analytical tasks and applying problem solving and analytic skills to support innovative solutions to unique and/or politically sensitive issues. Supporting communications to diverse groups, and keeping frequent personal contact with appropriate supervisory levels. Identifying key facts in a range of data and breaks down complex information into component parts in a range of data as well as collecting information on microorganisms related to plant and microorganism interactions. Understanding underlying principles, patterns, or themes in an array of related information from varied sources. Apply logic and complex layer of rules to analyze and categorize complicated information. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a PH.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the fields of biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. 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]