This position serves as the Chief for the BioRisk Management Branch, and coordinates the biosafety (safe handling) and biocontainment for infectious agents at various NIH sites having high and maximum containment laboratories. Preferred candidates will have certification by the American Board of Medical Microbiology/American Board of Medical Laboratory Immunology, or election to Fellowship in the American Academy of Microbiology and experience with safety oversight for BSL3 and BSL4 facilities.

Duties

Supervisory responsibility for leading, planning, developing and implementing all phases of work in the NIH BioRisk Management Branch across the NIH’s multiple campuses having high and maximum containment laboratories Develop and implement NIH's policy and programs addressing biorisk management. Supports and advises various senior level NIH committees on all matters relating to biorisk management. Conducts independent applied research in the areas of decontamination and sterilization or other research areas as dictated by national need. Provides expert guidance and assistance in emergency situations such spills, fires, or explosions with regard to biological hazards.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of the pre-appointment process (i.e., background investigation, verification of qualifications and job requirements, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, etc.)
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements within thirty (30) calendar days of the closing date of this announcement, including time in grade.
• Requires long periods of standing and bending when completing facility/lab surveys and risk assessments.
• Must be able to clear a Tier 5 background investigation and to hold a Top Secret security clearance.
• Required to participate and meet all requirements of the NIH Biological Surety Program. Annual behavioral health assessments are included in the NIH BSP.
• Must obtain a positive FBI Security Risk Assessment (SRA) in compliance with 7 CPR Part 333; 9 CPR Part 121; and 42 CFR Part 73.
• Requires use of PPE including respiratory protection and enrollment into the Animal Exposure Program.
• Requires entry into animal facilities.
• Requires access to BSL 3, BSL 4, and associated animal facilities and/or labs. Vaccinations and other medical surveillance will be recommended/ required based on agent.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for a Supervisory Microbiologist, GS-403-14, position, you must meet the following requirements: A. completed the requirements for a bachelor's (or graduate) degree in microbiology; OR B. completed the requirements for a bachelor's (or graduate) degree in biology, chemistry, or basic medical science. At least 20 semester hours need to be in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms and at least 20 semester hours need to be in the physical and mathematical sciences (combination of course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent). OR C. a combination of experience and education which includes courses comparable to a major in microbiology, or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in B above, AND have appropriate experience or additional education which demonstrates similarly appropriate skills or abilities needed to perform the duties of this position. In addition, to qualify for a Supervisory Microbiologist position at the GS-0403-14 level, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: serving as a Biosafety Officer for a biomedical research organization; managing biosafety and biocontainment programs, training programs, and similar activities; providing guidance on biosafety and biocontainment safety methods and techniques; and conducting research and investigations involving biosafety and biocontainment procedures. You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings with the information you provide in your application. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer. Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12446924

Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.

Contacts

• Address National Institutes of Health 6701 Rockledge Drive Bethesda, MD 20892 US
• Name: Chris Boarman
• Phone: 301-451-7687
• Email: [email protected]