Supervisory Research Microbiologist / Veterinary Medical Officer

Agricultural Research Service • Manhattan, KS

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

This interdisciplinary position is with the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit at the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas. The position may be filled under either the Microbiology Series 0403 or Veterinary Medical Science Series 0701, provided the applicant meets the education and experience requirements for the selected series. Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential; the final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel based on demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology.

The incumbent serves as Research Leader for FADRU and conducts basic and applied research on foreign, high-consequence livestock diseases with significant socioeconomic consequences that could enter the United States naturally, accidentally, or deliberately. The role provides leadership and program direction, coordinates research priorities with scientists and agency leadership, and manages unit personnel, facilities, funds, and other resources. The incumbent works with ARS, APHIS, other federal agencies, universities, industry, and other partners to support effective research and operational management.

The position requires work in a biosafety level 3/4Ag environment where high-threat livestock biological agents may be transmitted by aerosol. The incumbent must meet medical standards for safe work in biocontainment, participate in the facility’s Occupational Health Program and Personal Reliability Program, and be capable of obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret/SCI security clearance. The role is subject to background investigations, drug testing, financial disclosure requirements, and supervisory probationary requirements. The position may be eligible for telework up to four days per week and flexible work arrangements, based on duties and agency policy.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must pass required background investigation and/or fingerprint checks, E-Verify, and pre-employment drug screening; the position is subject to random drug testing.
• Must obtain Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment approval and have, or be capable of obtaining, a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• Must submit required financial disclosure reports.
• Must meet supervisory probationary and required USDA supervisor training conditions, as applicable.
• Must participate in and adhere to the facility’s Occupational Health Program and Personal Reliability Program; vaccines may be required, and a baseline blood sample may be required for biocontainment facility workers.
• Must demonstrate physical and psychological capability to perform duties in a biosafety level 3/4Ag environment and meet medical standards, including the ability to shower out of biocontainment and follow decontamination instructions safely.
• For Microbiology Series 0403: a qualifying degree in microbiology, or in biology, chemistry, or basic medical science with the specified microbiology and physical/mathematical science coursework, or an appropriate combination of equivalent education and experience.
• For Veterinary Medical Science Series 0701: a DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary medical school, or qualifying credentials and English proficiency evidence for graduates of foreign veterinary medical schools.
• Applicants must submit proof of education for at least one of the listed job series and meet that series’ education and specialized experience requirements.
• For GS-14, one year of specialized experience at GS-13 or equivalent, including livestock disease research, trials supporting countermeasures for transboundary animal diseases, and direct supervision and coordination of research personnel and cooperating organizations.
• For GS-15, one year of specialized experience at GS-14 or equivalent, including managing a research program and its personnel, facilities, and fiscal resources; developing program direction with agency, university, and industry partners; and supervising a multidisciplinary team conducting basic and applied livestock disease research.
• Applicants must be available to report for duty when selected.

Nice To Haves

• Submission of a one-page abstract of the applicant’s master’s thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation is strongly recommended.
• Submission of a list of professional references and information about stature, contributions, recognition, honors or awards, professional memberships, scientific presentations, society service, and publications is recommended.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Research Leader for the Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit.
• Conduct basic and applied research on foreign, high-consequence livestock diseases with substantial socioeconomic consequences and potential to enter the United States naturally, accidentally, or deliberately.
• Provide leadership to the Unit and coordinate with scientists, the Area Office, the NBAF Center Director, and the Office of National Programs to identify productive research directions within ARS.
• Oversee personnel and facilities matters, including select agent inspections, and prepare annual Unit reports.
• Serve as the Unit fund holder; manage and direct resources; and develop program direction based on contacts with customers and partners in ARS, other federal agencies, universities, and industry.
• Collaborate with APHIS and other federal agencies to support efficient and effective management of operations.
• Review, analyze, and evaluate proposed program operations for effectiveness in relation to long- and short-range objectives, schedules, resource utilization, and related considerations.
• Provide the Director with insights, lessons learned, and recommendations for resolving issues or problems.
• Manage research programs, including personnel, facilities, and fiscal resources, as applicable to the GS-15 level.
• Supervise a multidisciplinary team of scientists and synthesize, coordinate, and guide team efforts toward short- and long-range research targets, as applicable to the GS-15 level.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family, with eligibility dependent on position type.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized at the hiring official’s discretion.
• Potential eligibility for telework up to four days per week and flexible work arrangements, subject to duties and agency policy.

What This Job Offers

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