As a Supervisory Microbiologist of the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) you will lead a unit of biological science technicians and lower grade microbiologists responsible for: conducting and approving quality laboratory test results; providing consultation to lab scientists and the scientific community; planning, organizing and developing studies to improve the efficiency of laboratory procedures; and lecturing at lab training programs, seminars, and conferences.

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: Supervising subordinates more than 25% of the time including, but not limited to, recruitment, selecting, appraising, rewarding, addressing performance problems, and fostering an inclusive workplace. Maintains and coordinates a rapid response structure within the unit so questions or issues associated with the unit can be responded to within 2 hours. Maintains a high level of competency and knowledge about the methods performed within the unit. Keeps abreast of the scientific, regulatory and commercial developments that could impact or improve the methods performed in the unit. Actively identifies and creates plans to address areas within the unit needing method development or workflow improvements. Serves as an international expert, regularly providing technical expertise to programs and agencies within APHIS, World Organization for Animal Heath (OIE), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). Plans and directs the quality assurance activities of the unit in a manner that is consistent with the overall quality management system’s policies and goals. Assures work output of unit is acceptable quality and quantity; establishes standards of performance; prioritizes work; reviews work assuring accuracy, adequacy, timeliness and procedures adherence.

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.
• Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
• 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 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.
• Work involves risk of exposure to contagious diseases of livestock and birds, to toxicants, and to unmanageable and highly distressed animals.
• Work in a mask or respirator, biological safety cabinet, chemical fume hood and/or high security laboratories might be required.
• Periodically, the diagnostic workload during a disease outbreak may require considerable overtime.
• Regular duties may involve mandatory participation in rotating overtime work schedules, and import/export or other time-sensitive testing may be required in the evenings, on weekends, and holidays.
• Immunization against diseases being studied which are transmissible to humans may be required.
• Criminal Justice Information Services database check required for work involving Biological Select Agents and Toxins.
• Positions hired in Orient Point duty location will require daily travel to and from either Orient Point, New York and Plum Island, or Old Saybrook, Connecticut and Plum Island aboard Government-provided marine vessels.
• If selected in Orient Point, NY, this position will be relocated from Orient Point, New York, to Manhattan, Kansas, when the finished National Bio-Agro Defense Facility is complete and ready for activity at a future date.
• For information regarding the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS visit the following website by copying and pasting the address into browser: https://www.usda.gov/nbaf

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. Or Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: 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: Independently performing methods used in diagnosis of animal pathogens, including but not limited to serological, molecular, and virus isolation methods. Selecting and interpreting appropriate testing for the diagnosis of diseases and evaluation of test methods. FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Modifying, evaluating, and implementing assays in a diagnostic or research setting Managing laboratory operations, including diagnostic case management and validation and/or methods development projects. Developing new assays in a diagnostic or research setting Leading a team in a laboratory setting Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12/13 grade levels. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. 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 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]