This position is located in the Microbiology Branch of a Field Services Laboratory, Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS). The incumbent supervises the technical operations of one of the Microbiology Sections; provides scientific expertise in this area of specialization to FSIS, the Department of Agriculture, other agencies, and industry; and provides expert witness testimony as required in the area of specialization and represents FSIS at meetings on matters concerning microbiology.

Duties

Participates with the Microbiology Branch Chief and/or Director in formulating and recommending policies and objectives relative to the operation of the Microbiology Branch. Plans, directs, and/or performs complex analyses of meat, poultry, pasteurized egg products and Siluriformes fish for the isolation, enumeration, identification, and characterization of bacteria. Utilizes extensive analytical expertise in performing or directing various serological and biochemical tests, genetic-based tests (such as PCR or LAMP), whole genome sequencing and other microbiological techniques. Provides effective leadership, direction, and coordination of those activities related to the function of the laboratory as well as the entire Microbiology Branch. Plans and assigns work to subordinates, organizes work schedules as needed; evaluates performance of subordinates; assures quantity and quality of work is performed timely; corrects deficiencies in employees' performance. Approves leave and reviews time and attendance of subordinates. Reviews, evaluates, and interprets all analytical reports related to area of specialization for technical accuracy. Plans, develops and administers the analyst training and qualification programs for testing meat, poultry, pasteurized egg products, and Siluriformes fish in the Microbiology Branch. Advises In-Plant Personnel (IPP) and other FSIS personnel in a consultative capacity when needed for assistance in collection of samples at the processing plant according to FSIS directives and/or notices. Maintains a workforce proficient in microbiology methods outlined in the Laboratory Quality System. Oversees microbiologists’ analyses of laboratory proficiency test samples. Supports all related science and public health programs and initiatives as assigned to accomplish the mission of OPHS. Provides counsel and advice on quality systems issues following the ISO/IEC 17025 standard or CLIA requirements. Provides leadership to modernize microbiology technologies deployed into FSIS Laboratories. Reviews and assists in updating the Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook, the FSIS Laboratory Quality Manual, Standard Operating Procedures, and related documents on laboratory procedures and analytical testing methods.

Requirements

• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• May be subject to satisfactory completion of one year supervisory probationary or trial period.
• If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.
• False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
• Must pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements (including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education) by the closing date of the announcement, as defined below: Time in grade: Applicants must meet one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g., one year at the GS-12 grade level for consideration at the GS-13 grade level.) For the GS-13 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that demonstrates experience: Performing microbiological analyses in a laboratory setting. Performing method modification or validation projects on microbiological analyses. Providing oral briefings, laboratory updates, or presentations involving microbiology. Leading a group of professionals or technical personnel in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. For more information on the Individual Occupational Requirements for this position, click here. 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 in 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional 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

The microbiology series has an education Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) that must be met to qualify. You must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name, name of college or university, and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university.

If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.

Contacts

• Address
• Name: Gary McCann
• Phone: (612) 852-7706
• Email: [email protected]