Research Microbiologist
What you'd do
This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area (PA), National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Manhattan, KS. The incumbent serves as a Research Microbiologist in the Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research Unit, focusing on high-consequence category A zoonotic and emerging diseases that pose risks to livestock and humans.
Major duties
Perform leading research addressing the ecology of CCHFV with a focus on the One-Health concept, elucidate the host-pathogen interactions of CCHFV infections and develop surveillance strategies and diagnostics for CCHF. Provide expertise in virology, including molecular virology, handling Category A risk agents, developing animal models, and evaluating candidate countermeasures at biosafety level 4. Perform molecular characterization of new and emerging CCHFV strains or CCHFV related viruses; or emerging CCHFV strains that may have an impact on animal agriculture, including their potential impact on public health. Prepare written work products based on research to be reviewed and/or published in professional articles, publications, and technical abstracts.
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. In addition to meeting the basic education requirements described in the Education Section below, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below: GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position includes: independently implementing scientific principles, methods and processes to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry into animal diseases and host-pathogen relationships dealing with the zoonotic viruses. OR Education Substitution: Completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, if related. Education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the work. OR Combination of Education and Experience: Have a combination of Ph.D. level education and specialized experience as described above. GS-13: Applicants must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position includes: performs molecular characterization of new and emerging CCHFV strains or CCHFV related viruses; examine known or emerging CCHFV strains that may have an impact on animal agriculture. GS-14: Applicants must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position includes: addressing research aims that require an integrated approach that draws on expertise in molecular virology, biocontainment, animal model development, and the development, evaluation, and advancement of countermeasures, including diagnostics, vaccines, and antivirals. GS-15: Applicants must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position includes: works with a diverse team of scientists, universities, industry, and other agencies and interdisciplinary teams to design studies, novel sampling strategies, and methods that are appropriate for maximum containment. To further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral. Also, please submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. The mission of NBAF includes research, diagnosis and training for animal diseases foreign to the U.S. for the purpose of protecting American agriculture and domestic food sources from their potentially devastating effects. NBAF is vital to successfully protecting U.S. agriculture from the intentional or non-intentional introduction of foreign animal diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth disease. The position supports the biocontainment facilities and may require entry into biosafety level (BSL) 3, 3 enhanced, 3 Ag and BSL-4 labs. The incumbent must demonstrate the physical and psychological capability to conduct normal duties that are appropriate to their position. To prevent the transmission of disease out of biocontainment and retention of the position, the incumbent must meet the following medical standards in a pre-employment medical examination conducted after the receipt of a preliminary job offer and on a periodic basis: Ability to shower out of biocontainment one or more times per day; Not have any skin condition which would prevent this; Body piercings must be able to be removed prior to entry; External medical assist devices must have the ability to be removed prior to entering or not impede the ability to enter biocontainment, and the individual must still be able to shower out safely without assistance; Ability to follow instructions regarding decontamination from biocontainment; Any medical condition which could create an unsafe environment for the individual or his/her co-workers, such as: insufficient control of a medical disorder which could result in sudden loss of consciousness; and inadequate vision and hearing required for safety in a laboratory environment. Medical confidentiality will be maintained by the examining physician and only fitness (or unfit) for duty determination will be indicated. The incumbent will also be required to pass periodic fitness for duty physicals. In addition, a medical clearance will be required in the event that it becomes necessary to enter an area where an air purifying respirator or other respiratory protection is required. A baseline blood sample may be required for employees entering and working in the biocontainment facilities. For the health and safety of the incumbent and to prevent the spread of disease, immunization against diseases being studied at NBAF which are transmissible to humans may be required where the vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness under the provision of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended 21 USC 321-392. Where the vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for investigational purposes, the incumbent will be advised that such immunization is voluntary. Due to the contagious nature to livestock of Foot-and-Mouth disease, and other diseases under study at NBAF, Biological Safety Regulations specify a personal quarantine for employees working in BSL-3, 3 enhanced, 3 Ag and 4 biocontainment. As a condition for employment, all personnel entering the BSL-3 or higher biocontainment facilities at NBAF shall not be in contact with specific susceptible animals and their premises away from NBAF for a period of five (5) days after leaving bio-containment. Currently, restricted species are cattle, sheep, goats, deer, other ruminants, and swine. Contact with horses, birds (agricultural and pet birds) and rabbits are normally permitted, but restrictions may be placed on staff working with or near contagious agents affecting these species. Restricted livestock or other restricted animals may not be housed on the premises where the employee lives and where quarantine cannot be enforced. Employees who violate this requirement may be removed from employment or subject to other disciplinary action. Additionally, an approved SRA investigation is required for access to select agent registered spaces.
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