Supervisory Microbiologist

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at NBAF in Manhattan, KS seeks a Supervisory Microbiologist to lead a scientists unit in a world reference veterinary diagnostic laboratory specializing in high-impact transboundary animal diseases affecting livestock.

Applicants must meet qualifications including specialized experience with BSL-3/BSL-4 labs and diagnostic methods, with transcripts if required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or related field with required coursework and credits.
• One year of specialized experience at GS-11 level or equivalent.
• Experience with diagnostic methods for animal pathogens (serological, molecular, virus isolation).

Responsibilities

• Lead a unit of scientists in a world reference veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
• Oversee high-impact transboundary animal disease work affecting livestock.

Skills

BSL-3/BSL-4 containment experience

Diagnostic test methods

Assay development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or related field

Job description

As a Supervisory Microbiologist at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) you will be leading a unit of scientists in world reference veterinary diagnostic laboratory that specializes in high-impact transboundary animal diseases affecting 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.

BASIC REQUIREMENT

• Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent.
• Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to the basic requirement above, applicants must also meet the following:

• FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
• Experience working in a BSL3 and/or BSL4 containment laboratory setting.
• Experience with methods utilized in diagnosis of animal pathogens, (ie serological, molecular, and virus isolation methods).
• Experience with assay development, troubleshooting, and evaluation of diagnostic test methods.
• Note: There is no education substitution 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 the 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.