As a Supervisory Microbiologist at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories you will be leading a unit of biological science technicians and lower grade microbiologists responsible for conducting, ensuring quality and approving laboratory test results; providing consultation to staff and scientific community; planning, organizing and developing studies to improve the efficiency of laboratory procedures and lectures at agency and other lab training programs, seminars, and work conferences.

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: Assures work output of unit is of an acceptable quality and quantity; establishes standards of performance for the unit; prioritizes work to meet the obligations. Coordinates with other unit supervisors and managers to ensure technical staff is available when workloads require temporary shifts in personnel across units. Maintains and coordinates a rapid response structure within the unit so questions or issues associated with the unit can be responded to within 2 hours. Maintains a high level of competency and knowledge about the methods performed within the unit. Keeps abreast of the scientific, regulatory and commercial developments that could impact or improve the methods performed in the unit. Identifies and creates plans to address areas within the unit needing method development or workflow improvements. Plans and directs the quality assurance activities of the unit in a manner that is consistent with the overall quality management system’s policies and goals.

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.
• Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Criminal Justice Information Services database check required for work involving Biological Select Agents and Toxins.
• Considerable dexterity of the hands is required. Repetitive tasks such as pipetting are required. Some lifting (up to 50 pounds) is required.
• Work involves the risk of exposure to viruses, bacteria and prion proteins that are human pathogens as well as toxic, carcinogenic, explosive, and corrosive chemicals.
• May require the use of safety hoods and appropriate personal protective equipment such as work in a mask or respirator, nitrile gloves, biological safety cabinet, or chemical fume hood and/or high security laboratory.
• Must apply strict safety regulations to prevent the escape of pathogens from the laboratory which may include restrictions on contact with birds, sheep, goats, cattle, and swine outside of the laboratory.
• Regular duties may involve mandatory participation in rotating overtime work schedules, and import/export or other time-sensitive testing may be required in the evenings, on weekends, and holidays.
• Immunizations may be required.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. BASIC REQUIREMENT: 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: of post high school education with courses equivalent to a major in microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown above, 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 GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-13 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Diagnosing communicable diseases in a Biosafety Level-3 laboratory. Preparing scientifically accurate and thorough reports. Directing the development of new or improved methods/techniques to be used in laboratory analysis. Maintaining a functioning Select Agent program in a Biosafety Level-3 laboratory. Assisting internal and external customers to better understand and interpret modern molecular epidemiological techniques such as whole genome sequencing. 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. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university 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]