As a Biological Scientist with APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Science and Technology (S&T), you will serve a key role in ensuring that serviced programs are scientifically sound and that data and information on regulated agricultural pests is produced, collected, analyzed and interpreted accurately and fully to develop, evaluate, and maintain the quality of PPQ's exclusion, detection, quarantine, eradication, treatment, inspection, and response programs.
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 in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must meet the specialized experience below." 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: Developing protocols for the molecular identification of biological organisms using conventional methods and technologies. Collaborating on scientific investigations, managing projects, and conducting research that has an impact on plant health programs. Conducting research using conventional molecular methods and data analysis including sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, various PCR methods, DNA sequencing, and basic bioinformatics. Communicating technical/scientific data and information as a co-author, both orally and in writing, to a diverse scientific audience. Knowledge of the principles of systematics, taxonomy, phylogenetics, and/or phylogenomics for the identification of biological organisms. 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: Implementing advanced methods and evaluating new technologies for the molecular identification of biological organisms. Leading scientific investigations, managing multiple projects, and managing formal agreements with internal and external collaborators to address needs of high consequence/quarantine plant pest programs. Conducting research using cutting-edge molecular methods and data analysis including sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, various PCR methods including digital PCR, next-generation sequencing, and advanced bioinformatics. Communicating technical/scientific data and information as a lead or senior author, both orally and in writing, to both scientific and non-scientific audiences that may include industry, internal and external stakeholders, and/or the general public. Applying the principles of systematics, taxonomy, phylogenetics, and/or phylogenomics to identify, revise, or describe biological organisms. Note: There is no education substitution for this 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.
The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
The duties may include, but are not limited to:
Provides scientific leadership in qualitative and quantitative analyses in support of the management of invasive species, including arthropods, diseases, and other plant pests.
Obtains, validates, and analyzes data related to pest identification and diagnostics.
Develops methods for detection and identification of quarantine-significant plant pests.
Designs, evaluates, and optimizes comprehensive strategies for detecting incipient populations of exotic plant pests.
Develops, adapts, and/or evaluates tools, methods, and technologies for use by PPQ programs for mitigating effects of introduced plant pests.
Provides technical guidance in areas of entomological specialization to staff and field personnel in order to exclude the entry of infested commodities or eradicate or control introduced insects.
Consults with APHIS and cooperating scientists as an expert in identification of plant pests and diseases, as needed.
Assists PPQ personnel with the transfer of technology of research products into policy and operational programs.
Represents APHIS on scientific and technical working groups, and at program review meetings and workshops. May serve as leader of a group or team, as appropriate.