MICROBIOLOGIST

USDA-FSIS; Normandy (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA FSIS is seeking a microbiologist in the Microbiology Branch of the Laboratory Regulatory Operations (LRO), Office of Public Health Science. You will perform microbiological analyses on regulatory samples and participate in the adaptation and validation of methods for field laboratories handling meat, poultry, and egg products.

The samples are submitted by FSIS field personnel across the United States, supporting federal regulatory science and safe food systems.

Qualifications

• Basic education requirements described in the IOR.
• Specialized experience or education options per GS-5/7/9/11 levels.
• Independent work with microbiological samples considered for higher grades.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological analyses on regulatory samples.
• Assist in adaptation and validation of methods and test systems.
• Prepare detailed reports and maintain laboratory documentation.

Skills

Microbiology analyses

Electronic record keeping

Quality assurance

Laboratory procedures

Education

Bachelor's degree in microbiology or related field

Coursework in microbiology, biology, chemistry

Job description

Summary

Serves as a microbiologist in the Microbiology Branch of the Laboratory Regulatory Operations (LRO), Office of Public Health Science. Performs microbiological analyses on regulatory samples, as well as various tasks associated with the adaptation and validation of methods and test systems used in field laboratories in the analysis of meat, poultry, and egg products. The samples are submitted by various Food Safety and Inspection Service field personnel located throughout the United States.

Duties

Serves as a microbiologist in the Microbiology Branch of the Laboratory Regulatory Operations (LRO), Office of Public Health Science. Performs microbiological analyses on regulatory samples, as well as various tasks associated with the adaptation and validation of methods and test systems used in field laboratories in the analysis of meat, poultry, and egg products. The samples are submitted by various Food Safety and Inspection Service field personnel located throughout the United States.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below: BASIC REQUIREMENT: Microbiologist (0403):This position has an individual occupational requirement that must be met in order to qualify for the position. Individual Occupational Requirements, IOR Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Additional information regarding Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) can be found here under 4f. Educational and Training Provisions or Requirements. Qualifications: Applicants can qualify for the different grades based on specialized experience, education or a combination of specialized experience and education as outlined below. To qualify at the GS-5: Fully meet the basic education requirements described in the individual occupational requirements (IOR). To qualify at the GS-7: An applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade or its equivalent OR one year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement. To qualify at the GS-7 grade, an applicant's experience must have met the following: Performing microbiological analyses with guidance in a laboratory setting. Reviewing microbiological data and preparing reports or documentation with guidance. Assisting in quality assurance or quality control activities under supervision. To qualify at the GS-9 grade: An applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-7 grade or its equivalent OR two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree. To qualify based on specialized experience at the GS-9 grade, an applicant's experience must have met the following: Independently working with microbiological samples, media, or assays in a laboratory setting. Independently performing electronic record keeping, preparing detailed reports on microbiological analyses and making preliminary evaluations. Implementing quality assurance or quality control procedures, performing equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting basic issues. To qualify at the GS-11 grade: An applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade or its equivalent OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. To qualify based on specialized experience at the GS-11 grade, an applicant's experience must have met the following: Independently performing high-throughput microbiological analyses on a variety of matrices and interpreting results in a regulatory or research laboratory setting. Independently performing electronic record keeping, preparing advanced reports and presenting findings to internal or external stakeholders. Implementing quality assurance or quality control procedures, performing equipment maintenance, and providing training to junior staff. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through national service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the public health regulatory agency responsible for ensuring the safety of meat, poultry and processed eggs. USDA is a great place to start or continue your career. The Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) brings public health leadership to the FSIS of USDA to assure the establishment and support of scientifically sound food safety programs. OPHS develops (i.e. collects, analyzes, and reports) scientific information from conception to consumption for meat, poultry, eggs and related products, and uses that information to assess potential for human health risks at different points throughout the farm-to-table continuum. For more information on USDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, visit FSIS.

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

FSIS offers various recruitment incentives to newly hired eligible employees. You may be eligible for one or more of the following:

• Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual: Calculated to determine the annual leave accrual rate.

For more information on incentives, see Additional Information.