Biological Scientist/Agriculturist (Quantitative Risk Analyst)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service•Ames, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This announcement describes Biological Scientist positions in Ames, Iowa, and Agriculturist (Quantitative Risk Analyst) positions in Raleigh, North Carolina. Biological Scientists implement USDA’s Veterinary Biologics Program under the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act, supporting scientific integrity, regulatory compliance, and laboratory standards. They conduct protein expression and stability studies on traditional and recombinant microorganisms, study pathogens, detect microbes using traditional and molecular methods, and train junior scientists. Agriculturists support PPQ Science and Technology by developing and applying quantitative scientific analyses to assess plant pest risks and provide a scientific foundation for regulatory and operational decisions. In Raleigh, the Quantitative Risk Analyst develops and applies quantitative models and tools, including predictive and spatial analysis approaches, to assess the introduction, spread, and impacts of plant pests and diseases. The listed duties reflect the full-performance level; at developmental grade levels, assignments have more limited scope, complexity, and independence.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status.
If born male after December 31, 1959, Selective Service registration or exemption.
Satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Successful completion of a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
Pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Biological Scientist selectees must complete urinalysis screening for illegal drug use before appointment and are subject to random testing thereafter; appointment and continued employment are conditional on negative results.
Meet the basic education requirement: a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related discipline appropriate to the position; or post-high-school education including courses equivalent to a major (24 semester or 36 quarter hours) in a relevant discipline, plus appropriate experience or additional coursework.
For GS-12, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 applying advanced scientific principles in applied biology, ecology, epidemiology, microbiology, statistics, or related disciplines to regulatory or risk-based program needs.
For GS-12, have experience designing, conducting, and evaluating scientific studies, including interpreting complex experimental data, risk models, or laboratory test results.
For GS-12, have experience developing or improving scientific tools or methodologies, such as risk assessment models, laboratory assays, data analysis protocols, or sampling schemes.
For GS-12, have experience documenting scientific findings through publications, technical reports, risk assessments, presentations, or program guidelines.
For GS-12, have experience collaborating with scientific and regulatory partners and providing authoritative guidance or recommendations that influence national programs.
Submit transcripts when required to establish the specified degree or coursework; qualifying education must be completed at an accredited school, college, or university.
Make required federal payments by direct deposit.

Responsibilities

Develop and apply quantitative models and tools, including predictive and spatial analysis approaches, to assess the introduction, spread, and impacts of plant pests and diseases.
Conduct protein expression and stability studies on traditional and recombinant microorganisms.
Study pathogens and detect microbes through traditional and molecular methods.
Train junior scientists.
Apply scientific analyses to assess plant pest risks and support regulatory and operational decision-making.