Veterinary Medical Officer

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 106,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA APHIS is seeking a veterinary medical officer to develop, implement, and maintain national regulatory policy for the veterinary biologics industry. The role requires collaboration across disciplines to ensure compliant and fair program operations.

The position emphasizes working with Federal and State officials, industry groups, and the public, while staying current with scientific developments in related fields. Excellent regulatory expertise is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with regulatory policy development in veterinary medicine.
• Familiarity with virology, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology, epidemiology.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and program oversight.

Responsibilities

• Develops, reviews, and comments on rules, regulations, and procedures governing importation, licensure, and testing of veterinary biologics.
• Collaborates with staff and field personnel to ensure effective administration of the biologics program.
• Acts as consultant to federal/state officials, industry, and the public on program objectives.

Education

PhD in related field

Job description

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

Job Summary

This position works both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team to develop, implement and maintain consistent, fair, and compliant national regulatory policy for the veterinary biologics industry for the Center for Veterinary Biologics.

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. All applicants must meet the Basic Requirement outlined in the Education section below. FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates Engaging in the manufacturing or development of veterinary biological products or engaging in the use or development of animal disease tests. Performing research or work in the field(s) of virology, microbiology, bacteriology, immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology, epidemiology or a related scientific field within veterinary medicine. Evaluating the clinical, immunological, or microbiological characteristics of veterinary biological products. OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL: Successful completion of a PhD 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 other sciences related to the work of a veterinary medical officer position. OR RESIDENCY/POST GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL. Successful completion of three years of an internship, residency program, or fellowship training program in a discipline related to the position. Applicants should provide a certificate or letter documenting the completion of this program. OR BOARD CERTIFICATION FOR THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL-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. Applicants should provide a certificate or letter documenting their diplomate status. TRANSCRIPTS are required. This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. 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: Develops, reviews, and provides comments on new and revised rules, regulations, and procedures governing the importation, licensure, and testing of veterinary biologics. Cooperates with other staffs and field personnel for the purpose of assuring that the biologics program is being effectively administered. Plans, organizes, and participates in execution of national programs to establish testing standards to assay veterinary biologics prior to release and develop methods to evaluate biological products. Cooperates with other staffs and field personnel for the purpose of assuring that the biologics program is being effectively administered. Serves as a consultant and advisor to Federal and State officials, various professional and industry organizations, and the general public concerning program objectives. Maintains necessary comprehensive and authoritative familiarity with scientific and commercial developments in the field of veterinary medicine, various scientific fields, and vaccine manufacturing. Collaborates views of clinical veterinarians, livestock/biologics industries, State-Federal authorities, and domestic and foreign organizations in administration of the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act. Reviews current regulations and policies and as well as proposed revisions to ensure they are up-to-date, applicable, and in conformance with the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act.

Position Start Date

10/06/2026

Position Close Date

10/13/2026

Salary Offered

106437 - 155521 USD Per Year

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.