PDF versionJob Summary
Serves as a scientist for Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Science and Technology Laboratory. Serves as an authority in molecular and biochemical 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.
Major Duties
- 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:
- Responsible for making final, authoritative molecular taxonomic determinations of plant pathogens and other plant pests intercepted at ports of entry from all parts of the world.
- Recommends, quarantine actions for perishable and other commodities held at ports of entry, post quarantine facilities, nurseries, and domestically, based on risk analysis of the identified pest.
- Searches, reviews, and evaluates current foreign and domestic scientific literature and contacts colleagues for information on new diagnostic testing techniques.
- Serves as an Agency authority in resolving scientific problems associated with organisms encountered in quarantine programs which require molecular or biochemical diagnostic work.
- Initiates and cultivates working relationships with scientific colleagues nationally and internationally.
- Identifies and evaluates problem areas or deficiencies in identification skills of field personnel regarding use of molecular and biochemical diagnostics.
Qualifications
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 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 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: Experience developing, optimizing, validating, and performing molecular (Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR] and real-time PCR) and serological methods for diagnosis of plant pathogens, while focusing on quality control to ensure reliable outcomes and continual process improvement. Experience managing scientific investigations (project and/or process management) in response to stakeholder needs. Examples include but are not limited to identifying technical problems; proposing solutions for molecular laboratory procedures, techniques or processes; or planning studies that require making significant departures from previous approaches. Experience analyzing, summarizing and communicating technical scientific data, including nucleic acid sequence data, in writing or orally to diverse audience (academic, federal and state agencies, industry and other). Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. 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.
Pay Range
$86,335.00 - $112,240.00