This is a Biologist (Safety) position within the BioRisk Management Branch, Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS), Office of Research Services (ORS), National Institutes of Health (NIH). If you have experience participating in assigned safety and health programs in a clinical or research science laboratory AND you want to play a significant role in a dynamic organization, then consider joining the NIH Office of Research Services! For more information, visit http://ors.od.nih.gov.

Duties

If selected for this position as a Biologist (Safety), GS-0401-12/13 your duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Serves as Program Manager and responsible for leading operations of the NIH Quarantine Permit Service Office (QPSO). Ensures that NIH research staff are aware of federal requirements (USDA, CDC, DOC, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, etc.) for import and export of etiological agents and vectors of human disease and animals or products from endangered or threatened species. Serves as a subject matter expert for dealing with the use, handling, and storage of microbiological materials to include pathogenic bacteria, toxins, viruses, and recombinant DNA components. Performs periodic and unscheduled inspections of registered laboratories and biological toxins facilities and operations and evaluates compliance with applicable regulations. Serves as the Alternate Responsible Official (ARO) for the Select Agent Program and ensures compliance with Federal Select Agent Program requirements codified in 42 CFR Part 73, 7 CFR Part 331, and 9 CFR Part 121.

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 a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
• The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.
• Position requires Education.
• Requires long periods of standing and bending when completing facility/lab surveys and risk assessments. Requires use of PPE including respiratory protection and enrollment into the Animal Exposure Program.
• If selected, must be able to serve as Alternate Responsible Official (ARO) for the Select Agent Program and ensures compliance with Federal Select Agent Program requirements codified in 42 CFR Part 73, 7 CFR Part 331, and 9 CFR Part 121.
• If selected, required to participate and meet all requirements of the NIH Biological Surety Program. Tier 3 background investigation and annual behavioral health assessments are included in the NIH BSP.
• If selected, 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.
• If selected, will be required to gain/maintain access to BSL 3, BSL 4, and associated animal facilities and/or labs.
• 4 year degree preferred. Experience with Safety oversight for BSL3 and BSL4 facilities preferred.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for a Biologist (Safety), GS-0401 position you must meet the Basic Education Requirement: Completed the requirements for a bachelor's (or graduate) degree in a biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to this position, from an accredited college or university. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. OR Have a combination of experience and education which includes courses comparable to a major in a biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to this position, 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 the above basic requirements, to qualify for a Biologist (Safety) at the GS-12 level, you must have: (1) One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following types of tasks: 1) performing assignments for a biological safety program for a biomedical research organization; 2) monitoring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and requirements for the use of microbiological materials in biomedical research; 3) providing information on the use, handling, and storage of microbiological materials; and 4) coordinating with other staff or organizations on biorisk or biological safety programs and requirements. In addition to the above basic requirements, to qualify for a Biologist (Safety) position at the GS-13 level, you must have: (1) One year of specialized year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following types of tasks: 1) managing a biological safety program for a biomedical research organization; 2) ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and requirements for the use of etiological agents, animals, or products from endangered or threatened species in biomedical research; 3) providing guidance on the use, handling, and storage of microbiological materials; and 4) coordinating and advising other staff or organizations on biorisk and biological safety programs and requirements. 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 application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12610156

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: Jennifer Kall
• Phone: 301-827-9846
• Email: [email protected]