Your work within the Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) is to develop, produce, test, and distribute FAD diagnostic materials, develop diagnostic assays, collect and characterize biological materials for FAD diagnosis, and providing laboratory and clinical training, technical support, and other services to stakeholders. You may also conduct safety tests on biological reagents imported in the United States from areas where exotic animal diseases exist.

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: Developing diagnostic reagents, diagnosis of exotic disease agents, assays, and quality testing methods. Routinely conducting Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) agent characterization, reagent production, Quality Control (QC), troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of technical problems. Responsible for the inventory, tracking, and accountability of select agents, and directly supporting the quality assurance initiatives and NBAF transition related activities. Develops immunological and molecular biological assays for diagnosis of foreign animal diseases. Conducts microbiological techniques (including immunological and molecular) in the preparation of reagents for disease diagnosis. Aids other sections of the laboratory to detect, prevent, control and eradicate foreign animal diseases by conducting specialized diagnostic assays. Performs techniques for virus isolation in cell culture and identification. Prepares or participates in experimental designs for developmental projects to study field isolate pathogenicity and immune response or to create reagents for diagnostic assays.

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.
• Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) 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
• Work is performed primarily under hazardous conditions due to unmanageable animals, extremely variable restraint and examination facilities, and a variety of potentially toxic materials or hazards.
• The handling, examining, sampling and treatment of animals may also include extraneous walking, stooping, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, or climbing.
• Work involves the risk of exposure to viruses and bacteria that may be human pathogens (Class 3 Agents) and requires working with viruses exotic to the United States.
• Work is performed in a biological containment laboratory (agricultural biosafety level 3) in which all clothing is changed and a complete shower is taken upon leaving the containment facility.
• May be a high noise level due to the air supply/exhaust system (no recirculated air) and from laboratory equipment used continuously.
• Must apply strict agent safety regulations against contact with birds, sheep, goats, cattle, swine and other animals (in exclusion of dogs and cats) outside the laboratory.
• Immunization against diseases being studied, which are transmissible to humans, may be required or advised that immunization is voluntary in cases where the vaccine is not yet FDA-approved.
• There might be occasional/unscheduled travels, such as attending meetings, trainings, and/or supporting emergency response activities.
• Protective devices such as face masks and heavy gloves may be used.

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: Biologist (0401) Degree: 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. The quality of the combination must demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position and is comparable to that normally acquired through the completion of a full four-year course of study with a major as described above. FOR THE 0401 SERIES GS-12 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Requirements, 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: Performing a range of specialized laboratory methods for the preparation of reagents for diagnostic testing. Applying knowledge of infectious diseases and laboratory diagnostic testing for the development of reagents. Developing new projects independently and troubleshooting technical problems with minimal oversight. Working within ISO compliance and creating standard operating procedures, work instructions, and forms. Providing technical advice to researchers and customers through written and verbal communications. FOR THE 0401 SERIES GS-13 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Requirements, 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: Training internal and external individuals on a range of specialized tests for the preparation of reagents for diagnostic testing. Maintaining expert knowledge of recent developments in the science of pathogen virulence, molecular biology, genomics, and/or virus propagation and provides technical expertise and guidance to team members, staff, and personnel. Developing new projects independently and troubleshooting technical problems without supervision. Managing ISO compliance, leading collaborations, and independently creating standard operating procedures, work instructions, and forms. Note: There is no education substitution for series 0401 GS-12 or GS-13 grade levels. 0401 Series Transcripts are required. You must provide documentation outlined in the Required Documents section of this job announcement. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Veterinary Medical Officer (0701): All applicants to 0701 series must meet the Basic Requirement outlined in the Education section below. 0701 SERIES FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Requirements, 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: Performing a range of specialized laboratory methods for the preparation of reagents for diagnostic testing. Applying knowledge of infectious diseases and laboratory diagnostic testing for the development of reagents. Developing new projects independently and troubleshooting technical problems with minimal oversight. Working within ISO compliance and creating standard operating procedures, work instructions, and forms. Providing technical advice to researchers and customers through written and verbal communications. OR Successful completion of a Master's degree in an area of specialization including, but not limited to: animal science, avian medicine, food safety, infectious diseases, veterinary clinical sciences, pathobiology, biomedical sciences, veterinary anatomy, veterinary preventive medicine, comparative biological sciences, epidemiology, veterinary parasitology, molecular veterinary biosciences, public health, microbiology, pathology, immunology, laboratory animal medicine, toxicology, wildlife, zoological animal medicine, or other sciences related to the work of a veterinary medical officer position. OR RESIDENCY/POST GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE GS-12 GRADE LEVEL: Successful completion of two years of an internship, residency program, or fellowship training program in a discipline related to the position. Applicants should provide a certificate or letter documenting the completion of this program. 0701 SERIES FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Requirements, 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: Training internal and external individuals on a range of specialized tests for the preparation of reagents for diagnostic testing. Maintaining expert knowledge of recent developments in the science of pathogen virulence, molecular biology, genomics, and/or virus propagation and provides technical expertise and guidance to team members, staff, and personnel. Developing new projects independently and troubleshooting technical problems without supervision. Managing ISO compliance, leading collaborations, and independently creating standard operating procedures, work instructions, and forms. OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL: Successful completion of a PhD degree in an area of specialization including, but not limited to: animal science, avian medicine, food safety, infectious diseases, veterinary clinical sciences, pathobiology, biomedical sciences, veterinary anatomy, veterinary preventive medicine, comparative biological sciences, epidemiology, veterinary parasitology, molecular veterinary biosciences, public health, microbiology, pathology, immunology, laboratory animal medicine, toxicology, wildlife, zoological animal medicine, or other sciences related to the work of a veterinary medical officer position. OR RESIDENCY/POST GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL. Successful completion of three years of an internship, residency program, or fellowship training program in a discipline related to the position. Applicants should provide a certificate or letter documenting the completion of this program. OR BOARD CERTIFICATION FOR THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL-Specialty boards that are recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) certify eligible candidates as specialists in specific veterinary medical fields. Veterinarians who successfully complete all requirements for Diplomate status in an ABVS-recognized veterinary specialty organization may qualify for the GS-13 grade level. Applicants should provide a certificate or letter documenting their diplomate status. 0701 Series Transcripts are required. You must provide documentation outlined in the Education section of this job announcement. 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

BASIC REQUIREMENT: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree, i.e., Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD), obtained at a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA). The AVMA website has a listing of all AVMA-accredited veterinary medical schools. AVMA website: https://www.avma.org

OR Graduates of foreign veterinary medical schools that are not accredited by the AVMA Council on Education must meet one of the following requirements:
a) Proof of certification of their final transcript by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG);
b) Possession of a permanent, full, and unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in a State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States that includes successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or its predecessors, the National Board Examination (NBE) and the Clinical Competency Test (CCT); OR
c) Proof that the education obtained in a foreign veterinary medical program is equivalent to that gained in a veterinary medical program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. An AVMA-accredited veterinary medical school or college must have accepted the final transcript from the foreign veterinary medical school at full value for placement into an advanced degree, postgraduate educational program, or training program (e.g., residency or graduate program).

In addition, graduates of foreign veterinary medical programs must also provide proof of proficiency in the English language by successfully completing one of the nationally and internationally recognized examinations that incorporate assessments of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Examples of examinations that assess mastery of the English language are shown below:
a) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Minimum scores for the TOEFL are 560 for the paper-based version; 220 for the computer-based version; or overall score of 83 for the internet-based version (including 26 or higher in speaking, 26 or higher in listening, and 17 or higher in writing). For the computer-based and paper-based test versions, applicants must also complete the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and the Test of Written English (TWE). Minimum required scores are 55 for the TSE and 5.5 for the TWE.
b) Academic tests (listening, writing, and speaking) offered by the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Applicants must achieve a minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 7.0 in speaking, 6.5 in listening, and 6.0 in writing; OR
c) Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL). Applicants must achieve a minimum overall band score of 70, with at least 60 in speaking, 60 in listening, and 50 in writing.

Graduates of foreign veterinary medical programs must submit test results with their application. Results of more than one test or testing session cannot be combined to meet the standard.

Waiver Provision: English language proficiency assessments may be waived for qualified job applicants whose native language is English (i.e., the official or common language of an individual's country of birth is English) who submit a diploma or other official documentation as proof of graduation from a high (secondary) school where the entire curriculum and educational programs were taught in the English language for the entire 3 or 4 years of full-time attendance.

• A legible copy of college transcripts showing a conferred DVM degree from a veterinary medical school or college accredited by the AVMA Council on Education. As an alternative, proof of possession of a current permanent unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in a State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States can be submitted as provisional proof of eligibility. If selected, an official college transcript showing a conferred DVM degree from a veterinary medical school or college accredited by the AVMA Council on Education will be required prior to entering on duty.
• Graduates of foreign veterinary medical schools that are not accredited by the AVMA Council on Education must submit a copy of their DVM transcripts and required documents (i.e., proof of ECFVG certification; or copy of Veterinary license; letter documenting acceptance into an advanced degree, post graduate, residency or graduate program at an AVMA accredited veterinary medical school; AND an English proficiency score report documenting required acceptable minimum scores, from TOEFL, IELTS or CAEL) that prove basic qualification for this position as stated in OPM's qualification standards.
• Applicants who are substituting education or advanced training for specialized experience must submit: 1) an unofficial transcript showing a conferred master's degree in a qualifying specialty or 2) a letter or certificate documenting the completion of at least two years of an internship, residency or fellowship in a specific discipline or specialty. All education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.
• All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.

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]