Research Veterinary Medical Officer/Research Microbiologist

US-Agricultural-Research-Servic; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit (FABADRU) in Manhattan, Kansas seeks an immunology-focused scientist at the GS‑12 to GS‑15 level to conduct systematic studies on host–pathogen interactions in animal zoonotic viruses.

Applicants must meet specialized experience requirements, possess advanced degrees, and demonstrate the ability to lead immunology research that contributes to national animal health and biosecurity objectives.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a field related to veterinary or biomedical sciences.
• Evidence of specialized experience at GS-11/GS-12 level or higher.
• Experience in immunology of animal zoonotic viruses and host-pathogen interactions.

Skills

Specialized experience

Immunology research

Host-pathogen interactions

Education

Master's degree (animal science, infectious diseases, biomedical sciences, immunology, or related fields)

Ph.D. degree in a related area

Residency/Internship/Training in a related discipline

Board Certification in ABVS/AVMA related specialty

Job description

This position is located in the Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit (FABADRU), at the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility (NBAF), in Manhattan, Kansas. The FABADRU mission is to protect animals from domestic, exotic, and emerging arthropod-borne animal pathogens and provide information to enhance U.S. competitiveness in international trade of livestock.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

All applicants must meet one of the basic education requirements listed below in the Education section, in addition to meeting the following minimum qualification requirements.

GS-12

GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: independently implementing scientific principles, methods, and processes to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry into animal diseases and host-pathogen relationships dealing with the immunology against animal zoonotic viruses.

GS-13

GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are experience in animal work collecting samples for immunological analysis in compliance with US government animal welfare regulations and experience independently researching the immunology of animal zoonotic viruses as evidenced thorough publications.

Education for 0701 Series

GS-12: Master's degree in an area of specialization, including but not limited to, animal science, avian medicine, food safety, infectious diseases, veterinary clinical sciences, pathobiology, biomedical sciences, veterinary anatomy, veterinary preventive medicine, comparative biological sciences, epidemiology, veterinary parasitology, molecular veterinary biosciences, public health, microbiology, pathology, immunology, laboratory animal medicine, toxicology, wildlife, zoological animal medicine, or sciences related to the work of a veterinary medical officer position.

OR

Residency/Post-Graduate Training Programs--Successful completion of two years of an internship, residency program, or fellowship training program in a discipline related to the position.

GS-13: Ph.D. degree in an area of specialization, including but not limited to, animal science, avian medicine, food safety, infectious diseases, veterinary clinical sciences, pathobiology, biomedical sciences, veterinary anatomy, veterinary preventive medicine, comparative biological sciences, epidemiology, veterinary parasitology, molecular veterinary biosciences, public health, microbiology, pathology, immunology, laboratory animal medicine, toxicology, wildlife, zoological animal medicine, or sciences related to the work of a veterinary medical officer position.

OR

Residency/Post-Graduate Training Programs--Successful completion of three years of an internship, residency program, or fellowship training program in a discipline related to the position.

OR

Board Certification--Specialty boards that are recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) certify eligible candidates as specialists in specific veterinary medical fields. Veterinarians who successfully complete all requirements for Diplomate status in an ABVS-recognized veterinary specialty organization may qualify for the GS-13 grade level.

GS-14

GS-14: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-14 level of this position are: experience leading the planning and implementation of immunology based study against animal zoonotic virus based diseases with accomplishments in immunology host-pathogen interactions as demonstrated in scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals, books, or similar scientific literature.

GS-15

GS-15: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-14 level of this position are experience with reputation that serves as a recruiting tool to your organization and experience in research that has led to international recognition as a technical authority and leader in immunology of animal zoonotic viruses including research that has led to awards, honors, or recognition from major national and international organizations.

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.

Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.