Molecular Biologist

US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 56,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Laurel, MD seeks an authority in molecular and biochemical methods to diagnose plant pests and to identify plant pathogens with advanced techniques. You will handle final identifications and support U.S. agriculture through rigorous lab work.

The role requires expertise in virology, microbiology, and molecular biology, along with collaboration on research projects and clear scientific communication to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
• Combination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major (24 semester/36 quarter hours) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines, PLUS appropriate experience or additional coursework.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an authority in molecular and biochemical methods for diagnosis of plant pests and provide final identification of plant pathogens and other plant pests.
• Apply specialized state-of-the-art molecular and biochemical techniques for detecting, identifying, and differentiating plant pests, especially plant pathogens that threaten U.S. agriculture.
• Plan and manage projects and collaborate with other scientists to address research and technological needs related to plant pathogens and plant health.
• Use molecular and serological methods including PCR, RT-PCR, isothermal amplification, nucleic acid sequencing, data analysis, ELISA, and related techniques.
• Analyze, summarize, and communicate technical data to academic and professional audiences, both orally and in writing.

Skills

Virology

Plant pathology

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related

Tools

PCR

RT-PCR

ELISA

Nucleic acid sequencing

Isothermal amplification

Job description

The selectee serves as an authority in molecular and biochemical methods for diagnosis of plant pests and provides final identification of plant pathogens and other plant pests based on sophisticated state-of-the-art molecular and biochemical techniques for detecting, identifying, and differentiating plant pests, especially plant pathogens that threaten U.S. agriculture. 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

Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

Combination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must meet the following qualification requirement.

FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Applying principles of virology, plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, or other related sciences to study, characterize and identify plant pathogens.
• Planning and managing projects and collaborating with other scientists to address research and technological needs related to plant pathogens and plant health.
• Using molecular and serological methods including microorganism isolation, nucleic acid extraction, various PCR and RT-PCR methods, isothermal amplification, nucleic acid sequencing and data analysis, ELISA and others.
• Analyzing, summarizing, and communicating technical/scientific data and information, both orally and in writing, to academic and professional audience.

OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.

Equivalent education and experience are accepted for this grade.

TRANSCRIPTS

are required if:

• This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.
• You are qualifying for the position based on education.
• You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
• This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL

Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

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.