Biotechnology Specialist
Duties Summary
This position is located within 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.
Requirements
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 Requirements for Biologics Series, 0401: Degree: Biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR A combination of education and experience: Specifically, you must have course work equivalent to a major that included courses as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
FOR THE GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 is fulfilled by having experience conducting bioprocess development activities such as maintaining cell cultures, developing upstream and/or downstream processes, or operating bioreactors or related fermentation systems for production of biologics, vaccines, or diagnostic materials.
FOR THE 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 is fulfilled by having experience leading bioprocess development for biologics, vaccines, or diagnostic material; independently designing, modifying, and validating upstream and downstream processes; operating and scaling bioreactors/ fermenters (e.g., shake flask to production-scale systems up to ~200 L); and transferring adherent cell lines to suspension culture for bioreactor use.
FOR THE 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 is fulfilled by having experience serving as a technical authority in biotechnology and bioprocessing; developing and optimizing upstream and downstream manufacturing processes, including bioreactor-based production systems; scaling laboratory processes to pilot-scale production; providing technical leadership and consultation to multidisciplinary research teams; communicating scientific findings through technical reports, presentations, publications, or regulatory documentation.