Supervisory Microbiologist

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA APHIS, NBAF, seeks a Supervisory Microbiologist to lead a team in a world reference veterinary diagnostic laboratory focusing on high-impact transboundary animal diseases affecting livestock.

The role requires experience in BSL-3/4 settings, diagnostic methods, assay development, and training. Leads QA activities and coordinates method development, presenting findings to industry groups and academia.

Qualifications

• Degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science with required microbiology coursework.
• One year of specialized experience at GS-11 level in a BSL-3 and/or BSL-4 containment lab setting.
• Experience with serological, molecular, and virus isolation diagnostic methods.

Responsibilities

• Supervise subordinates and address performance issues.
• Serve as SME to APHIS, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and FAO.
• Maintain and coordinate a unit response structure to meet customer needs.
• Plan and direct quality assurance activities within the unit.
• Identify areas for method development or workflow improvements.
• Provide training and present methods to industry groups and academia.

Skills

BSL-3/4 lab experience

Diagnostic methods expertise

Assay development & troubleshooting

Education

Degree in microbiology or related field

Job description

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Job Summary

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.

Qualifications

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. OR 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 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.

Major Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Supervising subordinates more than 25% of the time including, but not limited to, recruitment, selecting, appraising, rewarding, and addressing performance problems.
• Serves as Subject Matter Expert, regularly providing technical expertise to programs and agencies within APHIS, World Organisation for Animal Heath (OIE), Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
• Maintains and coordinates a response structure within the unit to meet customer needs.
• Plans and directs the quality assurance activities of the unit in a manner that is consistent with the overall quality management system’s policies and goals.
• Actively identifies and creates plans to address areas within the unit needing method development or workflow improvements.
• Provides training and presents information on the methods within the unit’s responsibility to industry groups, academia, professional groups, consumers, and the general public via in-house training, oral and written presentations.

Position Start Date

09/04/2026

Position Close Date

09/11/2026

Salary Offered

89508 - 116362 USD Per Year

About The Agency

You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team! To learn more about what it's like to work at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the APHIS careers site. APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS.