Biological Scientist - Veterinary Biologics & Assay Expert

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Ames (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The incumbent serves as a Biological Scientist in the Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB), Policy, Evaluation, and Licensing (PEL). The role involves testing and evaluating proposed and licensed biologics for agents intended for prevention, treatment, or diagnosis of animal disease.

Major duties include developing standardized assay methods, evaluating data for licensure, and presenting findings in scientific and regulatory settings. Position starts 09/25/2026 and closes 10/01/2026.

Qualifications

• BASIC REQUIREMENT: degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
• Combination of education and experience: 24 semester/36 quarter hours in biological sciences plus appropriate experience or courses.
• FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: one year of specialized experience with microbiology and DNA/RNA techniques.
• 3 years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in related fields.
• Transcripts required if coursework or degree is essential to qualification.
• Combination of education & experience may be used to meet total requirements.

Responsibilities

• Testing and evaluating the potency, safety, purity, and efficacy of products.
• Evaluating research, developmental, and field data produced by firms for licensure.
• Proposing and developing standardized assay methods and initiating collaborative studies.
• Preparing and evaluating references and reagents to support the section and communities.
• Designing, developing, and evaluating new procedures to enhance products.
• Presenting results in written, poster, and oral formats at scientific and regulatory venues.

Skills

Microbiology techniques

DNA/RNA methods

Record keeping

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's or higher in biological sciences or related field

Tools

PCR

Sequencing

Job description

The incumbent serves as a Biological Scientist in the Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB), Policy, Evaluation, and Licensing (PEL). The role involves testing and evaluating proposed and licensed biologics for agents intended for prevention, treatment, or diagnosis of animal disease.

Major duties include developing standardized assay methods, evaluating data for licensure, and presenting findings in scientific and regulatory settings. Position starts 09/25/2026 and closes 10/01/2026.