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Molecular Biologist (Project Support Specialist) - Beltsville, MD

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.
  • 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 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.
  • Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
  • 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/
  • Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
  • Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
  • All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.
  • The incumbent could encounter plant pathogens of high risk or Select Agents outlined in the 7 CFR 331 that will require the incumbent to submit to an FBI background investigation.
  • The incumbent may experience long work hours, weekend work, and travel.
  • The incumbent is also required to extensively read numerous scientific documents, use highly specialized serological and molecular biological instruments for prolonged periods of time, and frequently use a computer.
  • Working with toxic chemical agents is common in a laboratory setting, and the incumbent must observe and follow appropriate safety precautions.

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-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

  • Experience managing daily laboratory operations including monitoring equipment performance, ordering supplies, and maintaining software and documentation to ensure that laboratory runs smoothly and complies with federal, state and local regulations, guidance, standards, and requirements.
  • Experience using and troubleshooting advanced molecular techniques, including conventional PCR, real-time PCR, isothermal amplification, Sanger and Next Generation (high throughput) Sequencing, and other molecular and/or serological methods for diagnostics.
  • Experience communicating, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Experience with initiating and leading process improvement for diagnostic laboratories.

OR
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in molecular biology, plant pathology or closely related degrees.

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.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

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.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Additional information

  • Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
  • First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.
  • Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
  • This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit (union), specifically the National Association of Agriculture Employees (NAAE).
  • Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.

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

 

This is a Direct-Hire Authority position, all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, to include any specialized experience and/or selective placement factor(s), if applicable, will be referred to the selecting official. Before a certificate is issued to the selecting official, your application is reviewed to ensure that you meet all the qualification requirements. A rating will not be used; veteran's preference does not apply due to the existence of the Direct Hire authority for this position.

Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, 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.