Geneticist.

About the role

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 5, Lamar Fish Tech Center.

Responsibilities

• Conducts molecular studies using environmental DNA (eDNA) and Next-Generation Sequencing techniques to support fisheries conservation and management needs.
• Analyzes eDNA sequence data, including data processing, quality assessment, statistical analysis, analytical pipeline development, and interpretation of results.
• Designs, coordinates, and implements eDNA studies and validation experiments; develops, evaluates, and optimizes laboratory and analytical methods for species detection and identification.
• Uses DNA analyzers, sequencers, PCR, and other laboratory equipment to generate, process, maintain, and analyze eDNA sequence data.
• Applies eDNA data to conservation and management questions and provides scientific guidance and technical assistance to biologists, agencies, Tribal groups, researchers, and other partners.
• Prepares and presents eDNA research findings through technical reports, scientific manuscripts, presentations, workshops, symposia, and other scientific meetings.
• Coordinates eDNA data, databases, sample management, and quality-control procedures to promote standardized methods, validated protocols, and consistent analytical practices.
• Provides technical expertise in eDNA sequence analysis and data management, including conducting sequence alignments and ensuring high-quality genomic workflows.
• Maintains strong, proactive communication with state, federal, Tribal, academic, and other partners to ensure successful project coordination, clear data interpretation, and effective application of eDNA results to management decisions.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Cannot hold an active real estate license, nor have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period; continued employment requires agency certification that performance advances the public interest and agency goals.

Qualifications

To qualify, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Individual Occupational Requirement: A bachelor’s or higher degree in genetics; OR a degree in one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics; OR graduate education in genetics or a related field with sufficient emphasis on genetics.
• For the GS-12 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, including:
  • Performing professional genetics work with fish or other aquatic species.
  • Conducting molecular, population, or conservation genetic analyses.
  • Analyzing genomic or genetic sequence data using statistical or biological data analysis methods.
  • Applying genetic techniques such as next-generation sequencing, environmental DNA analysis, polymerase chain reaction, metabarcoding, or genetic marker analysis.
  • Designing or conducting genetic studies and validation experiments.
  • Developing, adapting, or evaluating genetic laboratory or analytical methods and protocols.
  • Interpreting genetic data to evaluate species identification, population structure, genetic diversity, population or stock origin, or other genetics-related questions supporting aquatic species conservation and management.

Your resume must state either “full-time” (or “40 hours a week”) or “part-time” with the number of hours worked per week to receive proper credit for specialized experience.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement. You must meet the Individual Occupational Requirements and submit transcripts demonstrating that you meet the education requirement. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application but may be requested if selected.

Physical Demands

• The work is primarily sedentary but may require periods of standing, walking, bending, climbing, and driving.
• Field work may require walking, riding, or driving over wet, rough, or rocky terrain and lifting or carrying equipment and samples weighing up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

• Work is primarily performed in laboratory and office settings and may involve exposure to chemicals, fumes, flammable liquids, laboratory equipment, and repetitive motions.
• Safety clothing and protective eyewear are required.
• Some work is performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and may require travel to field locations and occasional overnight stays.
• All Department of Interior employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions.

The duties of this position are suitable for telework, and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval and current agency policy.