Biologist

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • Atlanta, GA

6d

About The Position

This position is with the Department of Health and Human Services, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Biologist provides scientific leadership for projects and research related to influenza viruses and public health. The role involves developing research strategies and applying scientific methods, approaches, and technologies; analyzing data and scientific issues; collaborating with scientists and program consultants; and advising on biological science policies and procedures. The position also requires specialized experience leading virologic surveillance and candidate vaccine virus development for seasonal and pandemic influenza responses.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must meet a basic education requirement: a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related discipline appropriate to the position; or equivalent courses plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service, including all of the following: leading virologic surveillance of influenza viruses to inform candidate vaccine virus development; analyzing influenza virus characterization to create reagents for vaccine strain selection; and leading generation of candidate vaccine viruses for human use in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
• Applicants must document experience clearly and specifically, including exact employment dates and hours worked per week for part-time experience.
• Must meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Must be suitable for Federal employment and successfully complete a background security investigation with favorable adjudication.
• Federal salary payments must be made by direct deposit.
• A financial disclosure statement may be required.
• A probationary or trial period may be required.
• Foreign education used to meet qualification requirements must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. accredited education, or receive full course credit at an accredited U.S. college or university.

Responsibilities

• Lead and provide expert scientific leadership in designing, coordinating, and maintaining scientific project goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Develop research strategies and apply new scientific methods, approaches, and technologies to new or unusual situations.
• Identify and analyze scientific issues and data important to the public health community.
• Collaborate with scientists and program consultants on study design, data analysis, reporting, and dissemination.
• Provide expert scientific advice, consultation, and leadership, and implement scientific policies and procedures concerning biological science practices and principles.
• Develop solutions to critical scientific problems requiring new approaches and standards, and develop strategies reflecting promising research, preventive, and clinical approaches.
• Lead virologic surveillance of influenza viruses to inform candidate vaccine virus development.
• Analyze influenza virus characterization to create reagents for influenza virus vaccine strain selection.
• Lead generation of candidate vaccine viruses for use in humans, following regulatory guidelines to protect against seasonal epidemics and support pandemic influenza responses.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package.
• Possible incentives, subject to authorization and funding, may include moving expenses, recruitment or relocation incentives, student loan repayment, superior qualifications appointment, and creditable service for annual leave based on prior non-federal work or uniformed military service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior