Research Microbiologist

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Independently implement scientific principles, methods and processes to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry into animal diseases and host-pathogen relationships dealing with the zoonotic viruses.
• Provide expertise in virology, including molecular virology, handling Category A risk agents, developing animal models, and evaluating candidate countermeasures at biosafety level 4.
• Perform molecular characterization of new and emerging CCHFV strains or CCHFV related viruses; or emerging CCHFV strains that may have an impact on animal agriculture, including their potential impact on public health.
• Prepare written work products based on research to be reviewed and/or published in professional articles, publications, and technical abstracts.

Requirements

• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Successfully complete a three-year probationary period.
• Pre-employment and random testing of substances of abuse.
• The ability to obtain/maintain favorably adjudicated Background Investigations or Security clearances (required by USDA).
• External medical assist devices must have the ability to be removed prior to entering or not impede the ability to enter biocontainment facilities.
• SAC and full background investigation required for positions working with BSL-3 (or higher) agents, or in BSL-3/BSL-4 facilities.
• Department of Justice (DOJ) Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval is required. USDA/DOJ clearances are required for working with select agent programs as well as training that goes along with maintaining proficiency.
• Incumbent must successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination after receipt of a conditional job offer and on a periodic basis and thereafter.

Qualifications

• 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. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position includes: independently implementing scientific principles, methods and processes to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry into animal diseases and host-pathogen relationships dealing with the zoonotic viruses. OR Education Substitution: Completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, if related. Education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the work. OR Combination of Education and Experience: Have a combination of Ph.D. level education and specialized experience as described above.
• GS-13: Applicants must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position includes: performs molecular characterization of new and emerging CCHFV strains or CCHFV related viruses; examine known or emerging CCHFV strains that may have an impact on animal agriculture.
• GS-14: Applicants must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position includes: addressing research aims that require an integrated approach that draws on expertise in molecular virology, biocontainment, animal model development, and the development, evaluation, and advancement of countermeasures, including diagnostics, vaccines, and antivirals.
• GS-15: Applicants must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for this position includes: works with a diverse team of scientists, universities, industry, and other agencies and interdisciplinary teams to design studies, novel sampling strategies, and methods that are appropriate for maximum containment.