RESEARCH MICROBIOLOGIST

RESEARCH MICROBIOLOGIST

Agricultural Research Service

Department of Agriculture

Clay Center, Nebraska

Starting at $61,218 (GS 11)

Temporary • Full-Time

Open 07/03/2018 to 07/02/2019

Overview

Open & closing dates

 07/03/2018 to 07/02/2019

Salary

$61,218 to $79,586 per year

Pay scale & grade

GS 11

Work schedule

Full-Time

Appointment type

Temporary

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Clay Center, NE

1 vacancy

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

This job is open to

The public

U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Announcement number

RA-18-008-H

Control number

504120000

Duties

Summary

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agricultures chief scientific research agency and one of the worlds premiere scientific organizations. ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientists research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture.

The mission of the Genetics, Breeding, and Animal Health Research Unit is to define the role of genetics in animal, pathogen, and microbial community interactions in domestic livestock production. Our overall goal is to develop effective genetic strategies to improve meat quality, animal health, and production efficiency. 

U.S. citizens, permanent residents who meet certain eligibility requirements and non-citizens who meet certain eligibility requirements

Additional information on the employment of non-citizens can be found at: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/EmployForeignNationals/index.htm

**ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR July 3, 2019.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform continuous culture "bioreactor" experiments with various bacteria, some of which are known pathogens of cattle (not humans). Technical support for the laboratory aspects is available if needed. A primary role will be in analysis and interpretation of a variety of related data, including DNA and RNA sequence and LC/MS-based metabolomics data. Specific goals include analysis of antimicrobial resistance gene transfer among isolates, species, and genera of bacteria. The researcher will be expected to produce at least one manuscript during each year of the term of employment, in collaboration with the supervisor.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - Possible travel for trainings, experiments or meetings.

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

11

Who May Apply

This job is open to…

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents seeking U.S. Citizenship.

Questions? This job is open to 1 group.

Job family (Series)

0403 Microbiology

Similar jobs

Microbiologists

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

A Ph.D. is required that was obtained within the last four years

Appropriations Law and Immigration Law requirements must be met

Pre-employment fingerprint check with successful adjudication is required

•  Entrance on duty is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment security investigation. The position may require a Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret security clearance or be subject to a Public Trust background investigation at the time of appointment, and may be subject to reinvestigation every five years thereafter. A favorable adjudication of the clearance or background investigation at the time of appointment and on reinvestigations is a condition of employment.

Qualifications

 This position requires a recent Ph.D in Computational Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or a related field of study in Biology or Chemistry that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.  

Knowledge of DNA and RNA sequence analysis; annotation and analysis of genome assemblies is desired. 

Skill in manipulation bacteria is desired but not essential to achieve the goals of the position. 

Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard's requirements of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/microbiology-series-0403/

This position has a positive education requirement. You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position. If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty. Application materials will not be returned.

Education

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. 

Foreign education must be evaluated by an approved organization. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education web site at http://www.ed.gov. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.

Additional information

•  E-Verify: Federal law requires agencies to use the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. If you are selected as a newly hired employee, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS 'E-VERIFY' system. Under the system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.

•  Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.

•  BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND FINGERPRINT CHECK:  Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check) and a background investigation.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated to determine if you meet eligibility and minimum qualification requirements, and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position as defined above under "Qualifications".

To view the application form, visit: https://ars.usda.ntis.gov/cp/?event=jobs.previewApplication&jobid=55F4706D-571B-467E-9FF5-A90600E716C0

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance

Public Trust - Background Investigation

Required Documents

If application packages do not contain all of the requested information, you may lose consideration for the job. To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate. Some of the items listed may not apply to you. NOTE: Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be considered. 

APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST

__ Resume, Curriculum Vitae, or other document outlining your qualifications 

The following information is required of all applicants:

__ Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position

__ Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)

__ Indicate country of citizenship __Copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Only if claiming veterans preference. Visit the following web site for additional information: http://www.opm.gov/employ/veterans/html/vetguide.asp)

__SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) plus the supporting documentation required by this form (if claiming 10-point veteran's preference). Visit http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp to obtain the form.

As an Applicant for a Postdoctoral Research Associate Position, you must also submit the following:

__ A one-page abstract of Ph.D. dissertation

__ A resume of 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 invitations); and publications.

__ A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, and recognition. 

If this is your first time applying for a federal job, or if you wish to view more detailed information about various aspects of applying for federal jobs, go to http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

A Benefits Package will be authorized for appointments made for a period of more than one year. 

The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at: http://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/enrollment/new-federal-employee-enrollment/

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How to Apply

Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate address and/or facsimile number listed below: 

Mail: 

Dr. Timothy P.L. Smith

State Spur 18D

Clay Center, NE 68933         

E-mail: [email protected]

Fax: (402)762-4390

If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send zipped files. They will be removed in accordance with standard electronic security procedures.

Agency contact information

 Timothy Smith

Phone

402-762-4366

Fax

402-762-4390

Email

[email protected]

Address

USDA/ARS

USMARC State Spur 18D

Clay Center, NE, 68933

USA

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Applications will be received and reviewed for consideration until a selection has been made.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:

An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.

An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.

An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.