Molecular Biologist (Project Support Specialist)

US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service seeks a Molecular Biologist (Project Support Specialist) to support pest identification using molecular technology and assist senior scientists in finding cryptic pests across plant pathology, mycology, bacteriology, virology, and nematology.

The ideal candidate will contribute to diverse projects, maintain laboratory databases and sample collections, and follow good laboratory practices while working under the guidance of senior staff.

Qualifications

• Experience using molecular techniques including conventional PCR, real-time PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis, and related methods.
• Independently conducts day-to-day laboratory operations and adheres to good laboratory practices.
• Maintains databases and tissue/nucleic acid sample collections with minimal supervision.
• Maintains inventories of laboratory reagents, chemicals, supplies, equipment, and other items.
• Analyzes data and prepares written/oral reports for senior staff and supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Support pest identification with molecular technology.
• Assist senior Molecular Biologists in plant pathology projects.
• Contribute to special projects involving molecular biology in plant pathology, mycology, bacteriology, virology, and nematology.

Skills

PCR techniques

Gel electrophoresis

Sequence analysis

Good laboratory practices

Sample & inventory management

Data analysis & reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences/related

2 years of graduate education toward Master's

Job description

As a Molecular Biologist (Project Support Specialist), you will support pest identification with the use of molecular technology; provide support to senior Molecular Biologists (Plant Pathologists) in finding cryptic pests and identifying virtually all pests, and assist them with special projects involving the use of molecular biological technology in the disciplines of plant pathology, mycology, bacteriology, virology, and nematology.

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

OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS07) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Experience using molecular techniques including conventional PCR, real-time PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis, and other molecular and/or serological methods.
• Independently carries out day-to-day technical operations of the laboratory and follows good laboratory practices.
• Executes laboratory activities planned by senior staff, and assists with maintaining databases and tissue/nucleic acid sample
  collections with little supervision.
• Experience maintaining inventories of laboratory reagents, chemicals, supplies, equipment, and other items.
• Analyzes, summarizes data, and generates written/oral reports for senior staff and/or supervisor.

OR

2 years of progressively higher level graduate education in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines leading to a Master's degree or masters or equivalent graduate degree

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

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.

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.