Molecular Diagnostics Scientist - Plant Pathogens

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA APHIS in Laurel, MD, seeks a GS-11 bioscience professional specializing in molecular and biochemical methods to diagnose plant pests and pathogens. You will develop, validate, and apply PCR, RT-PCR, sequencing, and serological techniques to identify threats to U.S.

agriculture; prepare reports and communicate results to researchers and managers. You will manage projects, coordinate with other scientists, review current literature, and advise on adopting new diagnostic technologies.

Qualifications

• Basic requirement: degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines.
• Combination of education and experience with 24 semester/36 quarter hours in biological sciences or related field, PLUS experience.
• For GS-11 level, 1 year specialized experience or PhD equivalent in related sciences.
• Transcripts required if education is the basis for qualification.

Responsibilities

• Develops, modifies, adapts, and validates molecular and biochemical detection/diagnostic methods to identify plant pathogens.
• Manages projects execution, tracks progress and budget, trains and manages staff for timely completion.
• Monitors spending, approves reimbursement claims and financial reports and provides overall management of cooperative agreements.
• Responsible for making final, authoritative molecular taxonomic determinations of plant pathogens and other plant pests intercepted at ports of entry.
• Confers with national and international taxonomic and/or molecular scientists to apply data in determining the identity of samples.
• Searches, reviews, and evaluates current foreign and domestic scientific literature for new diagnostic techniques.
• Evaluates benefit and feasibility of adopting or adapting new technology for Agency use and makes recommendations.
• Provides scientific information and recommendations to technical field personnel and informs them of new diagnostic techniques.

Skills

Molecular biology

Virology

Plant pathology

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological sciences / Agriculture / Chemistry or related

Tools

PCR

RT-PCR

DNA sequencing

ELISA

Job description

USDA APHIS in Laurel, MD, seeks a GS-11 bioscience professional specializing in molecular and biochemical methods to diagnose plant pests and pathogens. You will develop, validate, and apply PCR, RT-PCR, sequencing, and serological techniques to identify threats to U.S.

agriculture; prepare reports and communicate results to researchers and managers. You will manage projects, coordinate with other scientists, review current literature, and advise on adopting new diagnostic technologies.