Supervisory Research Microbiologist​/Research Veterinary Medical Officer

Summary

Position at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Bio and Agro Defense Facility (NBAF), Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit (FADRU), Manhattan, Kansas. Research scientists have open‑ended promotion potential. The grade level is limited only by the applicant’s demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology. Final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel.

Lead and supervise research on diseases of livestock, conduct trials supporting countermeasures of research and development initiatives for the control of transboundary animal diseases, and manage a multidisciplinary team of scientists. Activities include gathering and interpreting data, coordinating research activities with cooperating agencies and organizations, and developing program direction based on interactions with federal agencies, universities, and industry partners.

• Basic Requirements – Microbiology Series 0403:
  Degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science with at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences (e.g., organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, college algebra).
• Combination of education and experience:
  Equivalent coursework plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• Graduate Education – Degree in microbiology or a related field such as bacteriology, virology, mycology, immunology, or a specialized applied field of microbiology (e.g., clinical public health microbiology, food technology).
• Experience – For GS‑9 positions: at least 6 months of specialized or directly applicable experience in a microbiology area. For GS‑11 and higher: experience must be sufficiently specialized. GS‑14 positions may also meet requirements via certification by the American Board of Medical Microbiology/Medical Laboratory Immunology or fellowship in the American Academy of Microbiology.
• GS‑14 Level – One year of specialized experience at the GS‑13 level (or non‑Federal equivalent) in researching diseases of livestock, supporting countermeasure trials, and supervising research activities.
• GS‑15 Level – One year of specialized experience at the GS‑14 level (or non‑Federal equivalent) including managing a research program, coordinating resources, and guiding multidisciplinary team efforts toward basic and applied research targets.
• Additional Recommendations – Submit a one‑page abstract of your MS thesis or Ph.D. dissertation. Provide a list of references who can attest to your stature, recognition, honors, memberships, invitations to present, office roles, and publications.
• Availability – Applicants must be able 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. The United States Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or other protected class. All federal employment applicants receive equal opportunity coverage under the laws of the United States.