Molecular Biologist (Project Support Specialist)

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Job Summary As a Molecular Biologist (Project Support Specialist), you will support pest identification with the use of molecular technology; provide support to senior Molecular Biologists (Plant Pathologists) in finding cryptic pests and identifying virtually all pests, and assist them with special projects involving the use of molecular biological technology in the disciplines of plant pathology, mycology, bacteriology, virology, and nematology. 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 REQUIREMENT: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS07) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: - Experience using molecular techniques including conventional PCR, real-time PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis, and other molecular and/or serological methods. - Independently carries out day-to-day technical operations of the laboratory and follows good laboratory practices. - Executes laboratory activities planned by senior staff, and assists with maintaining databases and tissue/nucleic acid sample collections with little supervision. - Experience maintaining inventories of laboratory reagents, chemicals, supplies, equipment, and other items. - Analyzes, summarizes data, and generates written/oral reports for senior staff and/or supervisor. OR 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines leading to a Master's degree or masters or equivalent graduate degree Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. 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 duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.The duties may include, but are not limited to:Assists in the compilation and management of the datasets of molecular sequences of plant pests from port interceptions and domestic surveys that threaten U.S. agriculture.Assumes technical operational responsibility for planning, performing, and recording diagnostic laboratory activities within the quarantine programs.Oversees diagnostic activities related to many pests intercepted at ports of entries or from domestic surveys which require molecular identification.Performs classical, real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCR) sequencing using the Sanger method and sequence analysis to identify pests from port interceptions and domestic surveys.Modifies written Agency protocols in order to improve the identification of pests of various life stages as applied to taxonomy of pests of regulatory significance.Assists other scientists in developing, adapting, and implementing new laboratory protocols for identifying pests of regulatory concern.Assists the Plant Pathogen Diagnostic Certification Program in the deployment and use of molecular technology in relation to identification activities. Position Start Date: 09/10/2026 Position Close Date: 09/16/2026 Salary Offered: 70623 - 70623 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 Please see the full announcement on USAJobs by clicking on the APPLY button!