Microbiologist

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: 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. FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Requirements, 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: Utilizing and troubleshooting molecular assays (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, sequencing, design of primers and probes) and immunoassays (ELISA, IFA, Western blot, other serology assays), and/or virus isolation and virus titration, validation of diagnostic assays. Developing and updating SOPs and quality worksheets as needed working in a general laboratory inventory system of biological samples. Providing technical advice to researchers, internal and external customers through written and verbal communications. Collaborating with scientific and supervisory staff in identifying improvements and/or technical issues through written documentation and verbal consultation. Collaborating with scientific staff in finalizing improved procedures and resolving technical issues. OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree in a field related to the position. 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.
As a Microbiologist at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL), you will be responsible for investigational studies for developing, improving and evaluating bacterial and hemoparasitic reagents and diagnostic procedures for brucellosis, tuberculosis, piroplasmosis, dourine, glanders and other animal diseases in support of national animal disease eradication and control programs.