Public Health Specialist

Food Safety and Inspection Service•Albany, CA

About The Position

This position is in the FSIS Office of Public Health Science at the Eastern, Midwestern, or Western Laboratory. Its primary function is to perform scientific activities and analyses related to bioinformatics and data analytics in public health program areas. The incumbent processes large volumes of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data generated through foodborne pathogen testing programs and serves as a subject matter expert on data analytics and scientific matters related to WGS. The role provides leadership in assessing epidemiologic, microbiologic, and trace-back evidence connecting FSIS-regulated products to public health events. It supports investigations, executive decision-making, program evaluation, interagency coordination, and the development or revision of public health policies and laboratory procedures. The specialist also communicates findings and recommendations through reports, briefings, presentations, seminars, and professional publications.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status.
For males born after December 31, 1959, Selective Service registration or exemption.
Completion of one year at the GS-12 grade or equivalent in Federal service by the announcement closing date.
Bachelor's or graduate/higher-level degree with a major in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences, or allied sciences appropriate to the work.
Demonstrated experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent working on projects involving bioinformatics or complex data analytics, including initiating, planning, designing, or leading projects.
Demonstrated experience writing scientific manuscripts, investigation reports, guidance documents, standard operating procedures, or policy documents.
Demonstrated experience working with database software, statistical analysis systems, bioinformatic software, or operating systems.
Demonstrated experience updating laboratory policies or procedures using data analysis, study design, or data presentation.
Demonstrated experience applying scientific data interpretation to update laboratory policies or procedures.
Submit transcripts demonstrating the basic education requirement; official transcripts are required before entering on duty.
Successfully pass applicable background investigation and/or fingerprint check and E-Verify employment verification.
May be required to complete a probationary or trial period; a one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period may apply unless prior service is creditable.
New USDA supervisors must complete all components of the required training program before the end of the probationary period.
Submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of initial appointment and annually thereafter if selected.

Responsibilities

Lead collection, analysis, and assessment of epidemiologic, microbiologic, and trace-back evidence linking FSIS-regulated products to reports of illness, injury, allergic reaction, and other public health events.
Guide development of briefing documents, investigation summaries, technical reports, and presentations for situational awareness and decision-making by FSIS and USDA executives.
Represent FSIS as a speaker and senior subject matter expert at national or international meetings, conferences, seminars, and training sessions.
Lead program evaluation and process-improvement activities and strengthen partnerships with Federal, State, and local public health and/or agriculture jurisdictions.
Represent FSIS or oversee its engagement in interagency workgroups, committees, and task forces as an expert on relevant FSIS policies, priorities, and programs.
Communicate recommendations to leadership and OPHS-led groups assessing potential hazards and emerging food safety issues.
Make decisions or recommendations involving significant changes to, or development of, important public health policies or programs.
Coordinate FSIS responses during foodborne illness investigations and ensure internal and external partners understand FSIS objectives, data quality and reporting needs, assignments, and deadlines.
Communicate through oral and written presentations, including seminars and articles in professional journals.
Oversee and conduct ad hoc and periodic data queries to describe developments, trends, and outcomes relevant to foodborne hazard surveillance and response.
Process large volumes of whole genome sequencing data generated by foodborne pathogen testing programs and provide expertise on WGS data analytics and related scientific matters.