Veterinary Medical Officer (Epidemiology) - Veterinary Biologics Epidemiologist

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Ames (IA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

The incumbent serves as a Veterinary Biologics Epidemiologist responsible for nationwide oversight of adverse event reports and surveillance of veterinary biologics under applicable laws and regulations.

They provide quantitative epidemiological analysis, coordinate national surveillance strategies for vaccines and other biologics, and lead investigations of field problems with biological products to ensure safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience investigating adverse event reports related to veterinary biologics.
• Experience analyzing pharmacovigilance information and communicating findings in official documents.
• Knowledge of the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act and 9 CFR Parts 101–118 for vaccine quality.

Responsibilities

• Investigate adverse event reports related to veterinary biologics.
• Provide epidemiological analysis and surveillance for product performance.
• Develop national surveillance strategies for vaccines and related biologics.
• Organize epidemiological investigations of reported field problems.

Skills

Epidemiology

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance

Public health communications

Education

PhD in epidemiology or related field

Tools

PV Works

Job description

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

Job Summary

The incumbent serves as a Veterinary Biologics Epidemiologist for an established number of veterinary biologics producers and importers, nationwide, for biologics inspection and control activities required in the enforcement of the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act and the pursuant rules and regulations.

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: Investigating adverse event reports related to the use of veterinary biologics, including the analysis of data, and the use of databases, such as PV Works. Analyzing pharmacovigilance information and communicating that information with the public, stakeholder groups, other agency officials, or staff through written documentation such as regulations, memorandums, policy documents, or published papers. Investigating or inspecting documents and/or procedures to ensure compliance with the Virus Serum Toxin Act, and the regulations in Title 9 Code of Federal regulations Parts - 101-118, regarding the quality of vaccines and other biological products for animals. 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 incumbent serves as the Veterinary Biologics Epidemiologist investigating reports of adverse events (product monitoring and surveillance) relating to the use of veterinary biologics.
• Provides specialized expertise in areas requiring a quantitative approach to multidisciplinary issues, such as epidemiological investigations and surveillance of product performance.
• Develops, establishes, and manages a program of national surveillance strategies for monitoring the performance of a variety of US produced and imported vaccines.
• Organizes and coordinates epidemiological investigations of reported field problems associated with the use of veterinary biologics.
• Compiles, summarizes and analyzes all adverse event reports submitted by veterinary professionals, livestock animal producers, animal owners, and other regulatory officials to determine trends.
• Plans, organizes, and coordinates biologics program activities for a variety of vaccines, bacterins, antiserums, toxoids, diagnostics, transgenic plants and other biologics.
• Prepares and presents technical and general informational talks and training presentations on biologics program activities to government employees, university classes and the general public.

Position Start Date:

10/06/2026

Position Close Date:

10/13/2026

Salary Offered:

107301 - 139493 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. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response