PDF versionJob Summary
Incumbent is a Research Biologist with the Toxicology and Mycotoxins Research Unit, Athens, Georgia. Incumbent conducts research to develop and solve the complex problems.
Major Duties
- Research to develop and solve the complex problems associated with the impact of mycotoxins (and other secondary metabolites produced by fungi, microbes, and plants) on poultry safety and health.
- Research to develop and solve the complex problems associated with strategies to mitigate mycotoxin contamination of animal feed and thus reduce adverse impacts on poultry production.
- Research to develop and solve the complex problems associated with the monitoring and assessment of mycotoxin exposure in poultry utilizing rapid, biomarker-based bioassays and other technologies.
- Conduct research associated with mycotoxin-contaminated animal feed and the adverse effects on poultry safety, health, development, physiology, associated microbiome, and other biological processes.
- Improve food safety, protection of US exports from contamination with toxins, and improved poultry safety, health, and production.
- Conducts research in areas where the theoretical background is often lacking; specifically, the mechanism by which the mycotoxins produce organ toxicity, impact the microbial gut microflora, and interfere with poultry development.
- The Research Leader is kept informed of progress on research projects, and decisions that require major investment or that substantially change the nature or direction of the work require approval of the Research Leader.
- Conducts personal research and is responsible for scientific leadership in planning, coordinating, directing, and evaluating scientific activities of the project.
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 Requirements
Degree: 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. Additional Requirements
In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: Experience conducting research on food animals or food technology; presenting research results at professional meetings; and publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals related to mycotoxicology, toxicology, poultry science, or food animal nutrition. 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. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: Experience planning, coordinating and conducting research on poultry, animal nutrition or mycotoxicology/toxicology; presenting research results at professional meetings; and primary authorship of peer reviewed publications related to mycotoxicology, toxicology, poultry science, or food animal nutrition. 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. To be considered for this position, you must submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Also, submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Pay Range
$80,830.00 - $124,955.00