Microbiologist

About the role

This position is located on at United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Services (ARS), The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), located in Manhattan, Kansas.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and scientific support analyzing microbiological substances from microorganisms for biological development activities.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks and documentation of procedures and findings.
• Perform a range of experiments designed to answer specific research problem areas.
• Operate automated analytical systems and modify protocols as needed to optimize data collection.
• Review relevant scientific literature and select appropriate methods and procedures for research goals.
• Maintain equipment and instrumentation in top working condition, performing routine preventative maintenance and minor repairs.
• Prepare results of findings from experiments conducted, including initial interpretation of significance to the overall project.

Requirements

• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Background investigation and/or fingerprint check required.
• Direct Deposit required.
• E-Verify employment verification check required.
• Probationary period of 1 year required upon successful completion of the announcement.
• Drug test required.
• Special Physical Requirements/Demands: SAC and full background investigation required for positions working with BSL-3 (or higher) agents, or in BSL-3/BSL-4 facilities.

Qualifications

• GS-09: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07, or master's degree with one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07.
• GS-11: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09, or Ph.D. degree with one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09.

Working Environment

• High containment facility.
• Discomforts such as long periods on concrete or slippery floors, exposure to bites, scratches, kicks, disagreeable odors, allergens, and animal wastes.
• Exposure to various weather conditions including hot sun, chilly or rainy weathers.
• Long periods in confined rooms and areas.
• Physical demands including lifting up to 75 lbs. with occasional lifts of 100 lbs.
• Psychological capability to conduct normal duties appropriate to the position.
• Medical standards including ability to shower out of biocontainment, remove piercings, and pass periodic fitness for duty physicals.
• Immunizations against diseases being studied at NBAF, as required.