Molecular Biologist - Plant Pathology

If selected, you will serve as an authority in developing molecular and biochemical methods for diagnosis of plant pests and provides final identification of plant pathogens and other plant pests based on sophisticated state-of-the-art molecular and biochemical techniques for detecting, identifying, and differentiating plant pests, especially plant pathogens that threaten U.S. agriculture.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: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must meet the following qualification requirement.

FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Applying principles of virology, plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, or other related sciences to develop, evaluate and validate methods for detection and identification of plant pathogens.
• Initiating, planning and leading scientific investigations, managing projects, and collaborating with other scientists to address research, technological or programmatic needs that have an impact on plant health programs.
• Using advanced molecular and serological methods including sample processing, microorganism isolation, nucleic acid extraction, various PCR and RT-PCR methods, isothermal amplification, Sanger and high throughput sequencing and data analysis, ELISA and other.
• Analyzing, summarizing, and communicating technical/scientific data and information, both orally and in writing, to academic, industry, internal and external stakeholders or general public audiences.
• Delivering technical training and managing support staff to accomplish project or operational goals and deliverables.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Applying principles of multiple scientific disciplines (plant pathology, molecular biology, computer sciences, statistics, etc.) and technologies to develop, evaluate and implement novel, advanced methods for detection and identification of plant pathogens.
• Initiating, planning and leading complex scientific investigations and managing formal agreements with internal and external collaborators to address programmatic needs of high consequence/quarantine plant pathogen programs.
• Technical competency with advanced molecular and serological methods including sample processing, microorganism isolation, nucleic acid extraction, various PCR and RT-PCR methods, isothermal amplification, nucleic acid sequencing, CRISPR and data analysis and other.
• Analyzing, summarizing, and communicating technical/scientific data and information, both orally and in writing, to academic, industry, internal and external stakeholders or general public audiences.
• Delivering technical training and managing support staff to accomplish project or operational goals and deliverables.

Note: There is no education substitution 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

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. Please see above for education qualification requirement information.