Molecular Biologist (Project Support Specialist)

The incumbent serves as a Molecular Biologist (Molecular Project Support Specialist) to support pest identification with the use of molecular technology; provides support to senior Molecular Biologists (Plant Pathologists) in finding cryptic pests and identifying virtually all pests and assists them with special projects involving the use of molecular biological technology in the disciplines of plant pathology, mycology, bacteriology, virology, and nematology.

The duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Assists in the compilation of the datasets of molecular sequences of intercepted plant pests.
• Collaborates with Molecular Biologists to learn about management of the datasets of molecular sequences for other pests that threaten U.S. agriculture.
• Assumes technical operational responsibility for planning, performing, and recording diagnostic laboratory activities within the quarantine program.
• Conducts 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 in the deployment and use of molecular technology in relation to identification activities.
• Maintains accurate and detailed experimental records and tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using appropriate software and computer equipment.

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.

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 GS-07 level) 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/culture collections with little supervision.
• Experience maintaining inventories of chemicals, supplies, equipment, office supplies, 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.
 

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures and USDA policy using category rating. This means you will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses to the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Category placement will be determined based on applicants' quality of experience and the extent they possess the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and other characteristics):
 

• Attention to Detail
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Laboratory Operations
• Learning
• Quality Management
• Reading Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Teamwork

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions. Your resume must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position. Those determined to be in the best qualified category will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

To preview the application questionnaire, please visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12353888