Research Microbiologist

Summary

This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area (PA), National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Manhattan, KS. The incumbent serves as a Research Microbiologist (Virology) in the Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit (FABADRU); where the primary research targets, RVFV and JEV, are zoonotic pathogens that do not exist in the United States (U.S.).

Responsibilities of the position include conducting research in virology, specifically focusing on zoonotic arthropod-borne viruses (RVFV, JEV). The incumbent will be involved in designing, implementing, and analyzing studies related to the molecular virology of these pathogens, collecting samples from animals and arthropods under U.S. government animal welfare regulations, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals. In addition, the role requires presentation of research results to the scientific community and leadership in virology research projects.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. In addition to the basic education requirements described in the Education Section below, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below.

• GS‑12:
  Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑11 grade level in the Federal service conducting research in the area of virology; researching zoonotic arthropod‑borne viruses; and publishing research in peer‑reviewed journals related to virology. OR Possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, if related. (Degrees considered to be related are bacteriology, virology, mycology, algology, protozoology, parasitology, immunology, serology, microbial genetics, or soil microbiology);
  
  OR Have a combination of education and experience as described above.
• GS‑13:
  Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑12 grade level in the Federal service. The specialized experience requirements for the GS‑13 level of this position are: experience in animal and/or arthropod work collecting samples for molecular analysis in compliance with U.S. government animal welfare regulations and experience independently researching the molecular virology of zoonotic arthropod‑borne viruses;
  
  presenting research results; and publishing research results in peer‑reviewed journals related to animal microbiology.
• GS‑14:
  Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑13 grade level in the Federal service. The specialized experience requirements for the GS‑14 level of this position are: experience leading the planning and implementation of molecular virology‑based study against zoonotic arthropod‑borne virus‑based diseases with accomplishments in virology and host‑vector‑pathogen interactions as demonstrated in scientific publications in peer‑reviewed journals, books, or similar scientific literature.
• GS‑15:
  Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑14 grade level in the Federal service. The specialized experience requirements for the GS‑15 level of this position are: experience serving as a recruiting tool to your organization/company; experience in research that has led to international recognition as a technical authority and leader in virology of zoonotic arthropod‑borne viruses;
  
  leading to awards, honors, or recognition from major national and international organizations.