Biological Scientist

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service • Manhattan, KS

1d

About The Position

The Biological Scientist serves within the Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL), which diagnoses animal diseases foreign to the United States; develops and validates diagnostic tests and reagents; trains and proficiency-tests state diagnostic laboratory personnel in assays for exotic livestock diseases; and generates and provides diagnostic assay standards.

The role supports development and validation of diagnostic assays, performs foreign animal disease testing, operates sophisticated laboratory equipment, maintains records and inventory, and contributes to quality assurance and new technologies. The position requires strict laboratory safety measures to prevent pathogen escape. Immunization against certain diseases studied at FADDL may be required when an FDA-approved vaccine is available; otherwise, investigational immunization is voluntary.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Individuals born male after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must satisfactorily complete a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Must successfully complete a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
• Must use direct deposit for federal payments.
• Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must submit to pre-appointment urinalysis and random drug testing; appointment and continued employment are conditional on negative results.
• Must enroll in Continuous Vetting.
• Basic qualification: a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or an appropriate related discipline; or qualifying post-high-school coursework equivalent to a major (24 semester or 36 quarter hours) plus appropriate experience or additional coursework.
• For GS-11, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, including designing, optimizing, or validating diagnostic assays and interpreting data and preparing technical reports; performing laboratory diagnostics using microbiological methods, virus isolation, and molecular biology procedures such as PCR, RT-PCR, sequencing, or other nucleic-acid-based tests; and maintaining precise laboratory records, including select-agent inventory, quality-control documentation, and experimental logs.
• GS-11 qualification may alternatively be met with a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a relevant field. Combinations of education and experience may qualify.
• Education used to qualify must be successfully completed at an accredited school, college, or university; transcripts are required in specified cases.
• Immunization against diseases studied at FADDL that can be transmitted to humans may be required when an FDA-approved vaccine is available.
• Must comply with possible restrictions on contact with livestock outside the laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Assist with designing, executing, interpreting, and reporting experiments and experimental data related to developing and validating new or modified diagnostic assays.
• Perform assays to detect antigens, nucleic acids, and antibodies indicating the presence of a foreign animal disease.
• Operate laboratory equipment, including thermocyclers, DNA sequencers, ultracentrifuges, flow cytometers, robotics equipment, and electrophoresis apparatus.
• Maintain current knowledge of literature concerning foreign and emerging livestock diseases, including diagnostic testing and reagent and vaccine production.
• Maintain accurate select-agent inventory records.
• Coordinate receipt and shipping of biological materials in support of FADDL's mission.
• Maintain accurate records of developmental, testing, and quality-control procedures.
• Conduct quality assurance, quality control, and inventory activities.
• Assist in developing new technologies to support FADDL's mission.
• Apply strict safety regulations to prevent pathogens from escaping the laboratory.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree