Microbiologist
What you'd do
As a Microbiologist at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, you will be responsible for organizing and managing a wide variety of standard techniques in performing diagnostic tests, reagent production, developmental studies, and training assignments related to animal pathogens significant to the assigned Section.
Major 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: Contributes to rapid and accurate virus detection and identification, applies good laboratory practices, complies with animal welfare, biosafety, biosecurity, and Select Agent program regulations. Performs techniques for isolation and identification of viruses and serologic procedures for the detection of antibodies per official Standard Operating Procedures. Performs molecular techniques such as real-time (reverse transcription)-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR/RRT-PCR). Performs molecular techniques to amplify and sequence viral nucleic acid and utilizes software to assemble and analyze partial and whole genome sequence data. Characterizes viruses by phenotype, genotype, and virulence by selecting physical, chemical, and biologic tests, including animal inoculation. Maintains a stock of quality diagnostic reagents. Helps direct Unit assigned technician work, organize testing schedules, provide training, ensure timely completion of diagnostic testing and compliance with the quality management system. Implements improved techniques, participates in method validation for viral disease diagnosis, implements experimental designs for developmental projects. Contributes to review and approval of cases within the laboratory information management system and consistent with quality management guidelines to release reports in a timely manner. Demonstrates oral and written communication skills, teamwork, maintain professional relationships, present at meetings, contribute to manuscripts for publication, conduct training sessions.
What you need to qualify
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: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-9 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-7 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Providing technical advice to researchers, internal and external customers through written and verbal communications, including generation of accurate written reports. Maintaining and following Standard Operating Procedures for test methods to ensure consistent and accurate testing. Consulting and collaborating with technical, scientific and supervisory staff to review test results for validity, troubleshoot testing and resolve technical issues using written documentation and verbal consultation. OR 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science or related fields. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying 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-9 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.
Before you apply
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