Microbiologist — Meat, Poultry & Egg Safety Lab

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service; Albany (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service seeks a microbiologist in the Microbiology Branch of the Laboratory Regulatory Operations to analyze regulatory samples related to meat, poultry, and egg products. The position supports method adaptation, validation, and testing in field laboratories across the United States.

Candidates must meet the IOR requirements for GS-5 through GS-11, with experience in analyses, data review, and QA activities, and be able to work under guidance or independently

Qualifications

• Basic education requirements described in the IOR for Microbiologist (0403).
• GS-7 requires 1 year specialized experience or graduate education; at GS-7 level, experience must meet criteria.
• GS-9 requires 1 year of specialized experience at GS-7 or 2 years of graduate education.
• GS-11 requires 1 year of specialized experience at GS-9 or 3 years of graduate education (PhD).

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological analyses with guidance in a laboratory setting.
• Review microbiological data and prepare reports with guidance.
• Assist in quality assurance or quality control activities under supervision.
• Independently perform high-throughput microbiological analyses at higher grades.

Education

BS in Microbiology

Biology/Chemistry with Microbiology coursework

Job description

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service seeks a microbiologist in the Microbiology Branch of the Laboratory Regulatory Operations to analyze regulatory samples related to meat, poultry, and egg products. The position supports method adaptation, validation, and testing in field laboratories across the United States.

Candidates must meet the IOR requirements for GS-5 through GS-11, with experience in analyses, data review, and QA activities, and be able to work under guidance or independently