The selectee serves as an authority in developing molecular and biochemical methods for diagnosis of plant pests and provides final identification of plant pathogens and other plant pests based on sophisticated state-of-the-art molecular and biochemical techniques for detecting, identifying, and differentiating plant pests, especially plant pathogens that threaten U.S. agriculture.

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: Develops, modifies, adapts, and validates molecular and biochemical detection/diagnostic methods to identify newly introduced/emerging plant pathogens. Manages all aspects of scientific projects (planning, execution, reporting budget and deliverables), trains and manage assignments for support staff for timely project completion. Responsible for making final, authoritative molecular identification of plant pathogens and other plant pests of regulatory or quarantine importance for PPQ. Confers with national and international taxonomic and/or molecular scientists to apply collective data in determining the identity of samples. Searches, reviews, and evaluates current foreign and domestic scientific literature and contacts colleagues for information on new diagnostic testing techniques. Evaluates benefit and feasibility of adopting or adapting the new technology for Agency use and makes recommendations to appropriate Agency managers. Provides scientific information and recommendations to technical field personnel and informs them of new diagnostic techniques.

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.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.
• Work is normally in a laboratory or office. Working with toxic chemical agents is common in a laboratory setting.
• The selectee may work at times in a Bio-safety Level 3 agriculture facility that will require changing clothes into work-suits.
• The selectee may travel domestically and internationally and must be capable of handling personal luggage.
• The work requires the extensive reading of numerous scientific documents, prolonged use of highly specialized serological and molecular biological instruments, and frequent use of a computer.
• The incumbent could encounter plant pathogens of high risk or Select Agents outlined in the 7 CFR 331 that will require the incumbent to submit to an FBI background investigation.
• The incumbent of this position must maintain a security clearance level sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.

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: 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must meet the following qualification requirement. 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: Experience applying principles of virology, plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, or other related sciences to develop, evaluate and validate methods for detection and identification of plant pathogens. Experience initiating, planning and leading scientific investigations, managing projects, and collaborating with other scientists to address research, technological or programmatic needs that have an impact on plant health programs. Experience using advanced molecular and serological methods including sample processing, microorganism isolation, nucleic acid extraction, various PCR and RT-PCR methods, isothermal amplification, Sanger and high throughput sequencing and data analysis, ELISA etc. Experience analyzing, summarizing, and communicating technical/scientific data and information, both orally and in writing, to academic, industry, internal and external stakeholders or general public audiences. Experience delivering technical training and managing support staff to accomplish project or operational goals and deliverables. Note: There is no education substitution 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-12 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]