Research Molecular Biologist

This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area (PA), at the Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center in College Station, TX.

About the Role

In this position, you will help to develop cost-effective methods for controlling foodborne pathogens associated with poultry and livestock.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and report research on food animals and their interactions with foodborne pathogens.
• Design and lead research programs related to host-foodborne pathogen interactions and mitigation.
• Utilize molecular techniques, advanced cell culture methods, and proteomic or kinomic research.
• Conduct BSL-3 laboratory research and HPAI research.
• Perform bioinformatic signal transduction analysis at the transcriptomic, proteomic, and kinomic levels.
• Interact with the scientific community and stakeholder groups for technology transfer of research findings.
• Prepare reports of research results for peer review and scientific communities.
• Manage and lead collaborative research teams on host-pathogen interactions relevant to foodborne pathogens.

Requirements

Basic Requirements for Biology Series, 0401

• 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.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the specified grade level in the Federal service.

GS-12

• Specialized experience: planning, conducting, and reporting research on food animals and their interactions with foodborne pathogens; proteomics and kinomics research; utilizing molecular techniques, advanced cell culture methods.
• OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science, Food Science, Genetics, Biological Science, Biochemistry, or related field.
• OR combination of graduate-level education and experience as described above.

GS-13

• Specialized experience: designing and conducting research on food animals and their interactions with foodborne pathogens; evaluating and interpreting proteomic or kinomic research results; BSL-3 laboratory research; HPAI research.

GS-14

• Specialized experience: planning, conducting, and leading a research program related to host-foodborne pathogen interactions and mitigation; utilizing molecular methods and analyses to elucidate metabolic and immunological processes.

GS-15

• Specialized experience: managing and leading a collaborative research team on host-pathogen interactions; bioinformatic signal transduction analysis; utilizing and modifying complex molecular methods; interacting with the scientific community and stakeholders for technology transfer.

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).

Qualifications

To further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit:

• A one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation.
• A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, and recognition.
• Details of any honors or awards received, memberships in professional or honor societies, invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings, scientific society office and committee assignments, presentations (other than invitation), and publications.

Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

About the Organization

Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Our job is finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table.