Supervisory Microbiologist / Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer
What you'd do
The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) Section Head provides leadership and expertise in the production of references materials and reagents used to diagnose important diseases of livestock, including producing serum proficiency panels and maintaining serum banks used to produce serological proficiency tests and qualify reagents. You will have the prime responsibility for the supervision, evaluation, and development of the reagent production functions of the assigned laboratory.
Major duties
The duties may include, but are not limited to: Supervising subordinates more than 25% of the time including, but not limited to, recruitment, selecting, appraising, rewarding, addressing performance problems, and fostering an inclusive workplace. Acts as a scientific advisor to the NVSL Director regarding reagents and reagent production. Responsible for developing and documenting reagent production and providing technical expertise for the qualification of those reagents for use in National Programs. Responsible for resolving technical difficulties, interpreting test results on finished products and proficiency tests, and ensuring that the results are scientifically sound. Develops, reviews, and provides comments on new and revised rules, regulations and standard operating procedures affecting the section. Responsible for managing the reagent production, serum banking, and proficiency testing activities of the team in accordance with national program rules, regulations, and procedures. Serves as a consultant and advisor on the production of reagents for the testing for livestock diseases and on the proficiency tests used to approve other laboratories to conduct selected tests. Presents information on the reagents produced by the team and on the proficiency tests prepared by the team to approve other laboratories to conduct selected tests for livestock diseases.
What you need to qualify
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: Microbiologist (0403) Degree: Successfully completed bachelor's or higher degree in 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. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Veterinary Medical Officer (0701): All applicants to 0701 series must meet the Basic Requirement outlined in the Education section below. FOR THE 0403 AND 0701 SERIES GS-14 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Requirements, 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: Developing, evaluating, and documenting diagnostic assays, including molecular methods and validation studies, while maintaining current expertise in relevant laboratory techniques. Preparing and approving laboratory documentation such as case reports, SOPs, and quality-management materials aligned with ISO and standardization principles. Providing technical leadership and guidance to laboratory staff, overseeing diagnostic testing, reagent production, troubleshooting, and performance management. Communicating technical findings and advice to internal and external stakeholders through written reports, publications, and verbal communication. 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.
Before you apply
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