Research Microbiologist

Summary This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area (PA), National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Manhattan, KS. The incumbent serves as a Research Microbiologist (Virology) in the Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit (FABADRU); where the primary research targets, RVFV and JEV, are zoonotic pathogens that do not exist in the United States (U.S.). Duties Responsibilities of the position include conducting research in virology, specifically focusing on zoonotic arthropod-borne viruses (RVFV, JEV). The incumbent will be involved in designing, implementing, and analyzing studies related to the molecular virology of these pathogens, collecting samples from animals and arthropods under U.S. government animal welfare regulations, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals. In addition, the role requires presentation of research results to the scientific community and leadership in virology research projects. Requirements Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. In addition to the basic education requirements described in the Education Section below, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS‑12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑11 grade level in the Federal service conducting research in the area of virology; researching zoonotic arthropod‑borne viruses; and publishing research in peer‑reviewed journals related to virology. OR Possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, if related. (Degrees considered to be related are bacteriology, virology, mycology, algology, protozoology, parasitology, immunology, serology, microbial genetics, or soil microbiology); OR Have a combination of education and experience as described above. 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. The specialized experience requirements for the GS‑13 level of this position are: experience in animal and/or arthropod work collecting samples for molecular analysis in compliance with U.S. government animal welfare regulations and experience independently researching the molecular virology of zoonotic arthropod‑borne viruses; presenting research results; and publishing research results in peer‑reviewed journals related to animal microbiology. 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. The specialized experience requirements for the GS‑14 level of this position are: experience leading the planning and implementation of molecular virology‑based study against zoonotic arthropod‑borne virus‑based diseases with accomplishments in virology and host‑vector‑pathogen interactions as demonstrated in scientific publications in peer‑reviewed journals, books, or similar scientific literature. 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. The specialized experience requirements for the GS‑15 level of this position are: experience serving as a recruiting tool to your organization/company; experience in research that has led to international recognition as a technical authority and leader in virology of zoonotic arthropod‑borne viruses; leading to awards, honors, or recognition from major national and international organizations. To further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit a one‑page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral. Also, please submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications. 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. Compliance with USDA personnel security requirements and requirements of the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) for access to information and areas with Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) is required. The incumbent must meet the following: pre‑employment and random testing of substances of abuse; participation in and adherence to the facility's Occupational Health Program; participation in and adherence to the facility's Personal Reliability Program; the ability to obtain/maintain favorably adjudicated Background Investigations or Security clearances (required by USDA); the ability to obtain/maintain a favorable Security Risk Assessment (required by FSAP). The mission of NBAF includes research, diagnosis and training for animal diseases foreign to the United States (U.S.) for the purpose of protecting American agriculture and domestic food sources from their potentially devastating effects. NBAF is vital to successfully protecting U.S. agriculture from the intentional or non‑intentional introduction of foreign animal diseases such as RVFV and JEV. The position supports the biocontainment facilities and may require entry into biosafety level (BSL) 3, 3 enhanced, 3 Ag and BSL-4 labs. The incumbent must demonstrate the physical and psychological capability to conduct normal duties that are appropriate to their position. Medical and fitness standards: ability to shower out of biocontainment one or more times per day; no skin condition preventing this; ability to remove body piercings prior to entry; removal of external medical assist devices; ability to follow instructions regarding decontamination from biocontainment; sufficient vision and hearing required for safety in a laboratory environment. Medical clearance will be maintained by the examining physician. The incumbent will also be required to pass periodic fitness for duty physicals. A baseline blood sample may be required for employees entering and working in the biocontainment facilities. Immunization against diseases being studied may be required where the vaccine is approved by the FDA. Quarantine protocols apply for employees working on specific infectious agents in designated areas of NBAF for a period of five (5) days following leave from those areas. About USDA Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in‑house research agency. Our job is finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. What we do matters in science and the world. For more information about Agricultural Research Service, go to #J-18808-Ljbffr