Biological Scientist: Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostics

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 75,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA APHIS's Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) seeks a biological scientist to advance diagnostic test development, validation, and proficiency testing for exotic livestock diseases. The role emphasizes data interpretation, rigorous record keeping, and coordination of materials to support nationwide diagnostic efforts.

The position requires a degree in biological sciences or related field, and for GS-11 level, either specialized experience or advanced degrees.

Qualifications

• Basic requirement: degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources, chemistry or related field.
• GS-11: 1 year of specialized experience in designing, validating diagnostic assays or performing lab diagnostics using microbiological methods, PCR/RT‑PCR, sequencing.
• PhD or 3 years graduate study in relevant fields; transcripts required if education is the basis for qualification.

Responsibilities

• Assist design, execution, interpretation and reporting of experiments for diagnostic assays.
• Perform assays for antigens, nucleic acids and antibodies indicating foreign diseases.
• Operate laboratory equipment such as thermocyclers, sequencers, ultracentrifuges, flow cytometers and electrophoresis systems.
• Maintain records of select agent inventories and quality control data.
• Coordinate receipt and shipping of biological materials to support FADDL mission.
• Contribute to QA/QC and inventory activities.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Data interpretation

Record keeping

Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related field

PhD or equivalent doctoral degree

Relevant graduate coursework

Tools

Thermocyclers

DNA sequencers

Ultracentrifuges

Flow cytometers

Robotics equipment

Electrophoresis equipment

Job description

USDA APHIS's Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) seeks a biological scientist to advance diagnostic test development, validation, and proficiency testing for exotic livestock diseases. The role emphasizes data interpretation, rigorous record keeping, and coordination of materials to support nationwide diagnostic efforts.

The position requires a degree in biological sciences or related field, and for GS-11 level, either specialized experience or advanced degrees.