Summary As a Supervisory Microbiologist of the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) you will lead a unit of biological science technicians and lower grade microbiologists responsible for: conducting and approving quality laboratory test results; providing consultation to lab scientists and the scientific community; planning, organizing and developing studies to improve the efficiency of laboratory procedures; and lecturing at lab training programs, seminars, and conferences. Responsibilities 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: Supervising subordinates more than 25% of the time including, but not limited to, recruitment, selecting, appraising, rewarding, addressing performance problems, and fostering an inclusive workplace. Maintains and coordinates a rapid response structure within the unit so questions or issues associated with the unit can be responded to within 2 hours. Maintains a high level of competency and knowledge about the methods performed within the unit. Keeps abreast of the scientific, regulatory and commercial developments that could impact or improve the methods performed in the unit. Actively identifies and creates plans to address areas within the unit needing method development or workflow improvements. Serves as an international expert, regularly providing technical expertise to programs and agencies within APHIS, World Organization for Animal Heath (OIE), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). Plans and directs the quality assurance activities of the unit in a manner that is consistent with the overall quality management system’s policies and goals. Assures work output of unit is acceptable quality and quantity; establishes standards of performance; prioritizes work; reviews work assuring accuracy, adequacy, timeliness and procedures adherence. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. Or Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses 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: Independently performing methods used in diagnosis of animal pathogens, including but not limited to serological, molecular, and virus isolation methods. Selecting and interpreting appropriate testing for the diagnosis of diseases and evaluation of test methods. 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: Modifying, evaluating, and implementing assays in a diagnostic or research setting Managing laboratory operations, including diagnostic case management and validation and/or methods development projects. Developing new assays in a diagnostic or research setting Leading a team in a laboratory setting Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12/13 grade levels. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. 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. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.
