Summary
This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research Unit in Manhattan, KS.
Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential. Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically. The grade level is limited only by the individual's demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology.
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Duties
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- Conducts team research on tick vector ecology, population genetics, and vector competency for high-consequence zoonotic pathogens.
- Plans, coordinates, and executes multidisciplinary research activities of assigned and collaborating scientists, preparing annual project plans and reports.
- Integrates knowledge from molecular biology, immunology, and veterinary medicine to evaluate host-pathogen interactions and transmission.
- Develops novel approaches and modifies existing technologies to characterize host responses to infections at molecular, cellular, and animal levels.
- Provides technical and administrative supervision to a Biological Science Technician, including selection, work assignment, and performance evaluation.
- Executes research protocols safely within low and high-containment facilities, adhering to strict BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 biosafety regulations.
- Conducts collaborative research using molecular and genomic tools to characterize arthropod-borne pathogen transmission and host-pathogen interactions.
- Manages laboratory resources, personnel, and high-containment workflows to ensure research is conducted safely under BSL-2/3/4 conditions as appropriate.
- Integrates molecular findings with ecological and entomological data to improve prediction and prevention of high-consequence veterinary and zoonotic diseases.
- Publishes peer-reviewed research and communicates findings to scientific, regulatory, and agricultural stakeholders.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- You must be a US Citizen or US National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- 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 E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
- 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.
- This position requires the selectee to undergo a pre-employment check and a full background investigation.
Qualifications
Additional Requirements: In addition to meeting the
basic requirements in the education section, 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 the GS-12 level of this position are: Experience assisting with applied research in vector biology, entomology, or molecular biology. This includes experience participating in research studies on arthropod vectors (such as ticks or mosquitoes); utilizing laboratory techniques like molecular cloning, PCR, or cell culture to analyze host-pathogen interactions; managing biological samples safely under BSL-2 or higher containment protocols; and contributing data or text to scientific manuscripts and annual progress reports.
OR
Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree, if related. Related degrees include genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, ecology.
OR
A combination of education and experience as specified above.
GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate 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 the GS-13 level of this position are: Experience planning and executing independent research projects focusing on tick vector ecology, population genetics, or vector competency for zoonotic or emerging pathogens. This includes experience establishing or maintaining arthropod/vector colonies for research; modifying or adapting scientific methodologies to investigate viral pathogens (such as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever or related high-consequence agents); managing assigned project resources or funding; and serving as a primary author on peer-reviewed scientific publications or technical reports.
GS-14: Applicants must demonstrate 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 the GS-14 level of this position are: Experience leading a multidisciplinary research program or project focused on the transmission dynamics, vector ecology, and host-pathogen interactions of foreign animal or zoonotic diseases. This includes experience serving as a Principal Investigator directing research on high-consequence viral pathogens within high-biocontainment facilities (BSL-3 or BSL-4); establishing collaborative scientific partnerships; providing technical supervision or administrative oversight to laboratory staff; and publishing authoritative, peer-reviewed research findings that influence national or international agricultural health strategies.
GS-15: Applicants must demonstrate 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 the GS-15 level of this position are: Experience providing senior scientific leadership, strategic direction, and program oversight for a national-level research portfolio dedicated to biodefense and foreign animal disease intervention strategies. This includes experience serving as an international authority in vector biology or molecular virology; conceptualizing novel research frameworks to counter high-consequence zoonotic threats (such as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus); directing complex operations in maximum biocontainment (BSL-4) environments; managing substantial institutional budgets and personnel structures; and presenting definitive scientific findings to federal leadership and international advisory bodies to safeguard public and agricultural health.
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.
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.
To comply with USDA personnel security requirements and requirements of the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) for access to information and areas with Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT), including Tier One Select Agents at NBAF, the incumbent must meet the following:
- Pre-employment and random testing of substances of abuse;
- Participation in and adherence to the facility's Occupational Health Program;
- Participation in and adherence to the facility's Personal Reliability Program;
- The ability to obtain/maintain favorably adjudicated Background Investigations or Security clearances (required by USDA);
- The ability to obtain/maintain a favorable Security Risk Assessment (required by FSAP).
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 uncontrolled skin condition which would prevent this;
- Body piercings must be able to be removed prior to entry and / or meet biosafety approval;
- 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.
Education
Basic Requirements for General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series, 0401
Degree:biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience:Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Basic Requirements for Entomology Series, 0414
Degree:entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology.
OR
Combination of education and experience:Courses equivalent to a major that included course work as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Evaluation of Education: Applicants with major fields of study in biology, zoology, or invertebrate zoology may fully meet the basic educational requirements if their academic preparation included substantive instruction (including appropriate laboratory and field work) in basic general entomology, taxonomy, physiology, ecology, general and organic chemistry, general physics, and mathematics or statistics that provided some training in the analysis of variables.
All eligible applicants will be evaluated against the Quality Category criteria described below. Applicants who meet at least one of the following criteria will be placed in the Quality Category.
1.
Above Average Educational Achievement
Candidates demonstrating above average educational achievement under any of the options outlined below are eligible for the Quality Category.
A. Candidate has completed all requirements for, or is a candidate within 9 months, for a high school diploma, or a degree from an accredited junior college, college, university, or other baccalaureate institution, provided he or she meets one of the requirements listed below.
i. GPA is at least 2.70 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. This is either the average of all completed courses at the time of application, or the average of all courses completed during the last two years of a high school, college or other four year program.
ii. GPA in the major field of study is at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. This is either the average of all completed courses at the time of application, or the average of all courses completed during the last two years of a four year curriculum.
iii. Member of one of the national honor societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies, other than freshman honor societies.
B. Candidate has completed all requirements for an advanced degree from an accredited institution, appropriate to the position being filled. An advanced degree is defined as beyond the baccalaureate (i.e. DVM, M.A. Ph.D., etc.). Evaluation of candidates under this provision will take into account the relevancy of both the type and the level of education completed to the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties of the position.
Examples of advanced degrees appropriate to this position include
