Microbiologist

The incumbent serves as a microbiologist with Veterinary Services (VS) Diagnostics & Biologics (D&B) National Veterinary Services Laboratories. The section furnishes diagnostic bacteriologic and molecular support for the programs.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE:
Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

• Microbiologist (0403) Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent.
• OR Combination of education and experience: of post high school education with courses equivalent to a major in microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown above, PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work. The quality of the combination must demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position and is comparable to that normally acquired through the completion of a full four-year course of study with a major as described above.

• 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:
  Taking positive actions to prevent laboratory errors, reporting such events immediately to the supervisor, and recording them in an appropriate electronic records system.
• Planning, managing, and documenting test workflow and outcomes to ensure efficient use of time and accommodates urgent testing needs as required.
• Reviewing and drafting protocols, standard operating procedures, forms, work instructions and taking initiative on development new guidelines.
• Recognizing unusual problems, responses, and results that may arise from procedural error or equipment problems, and the ability to resolve such situations independently.
• OR 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in Animal Science;
  Biology;
  Molecular Biology;
  Immunology;
  Virology.. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

• 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.

• 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, Ameri Corps) 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.