USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.. 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).. Identifies data and information needs for risk assessment of modified microbes in the agricultural ecosystem and their use in bioremediation.. Assist in the development of draft guidance for product evaluation, risk assessment, and risk mitigation for the transition from laboratory to small scale field testing.. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States.

biological scientist

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Job Summary This is an APHIS Science Fellow position. The position assists Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) with enhancing the framework for risk assessment and management of genetically modified microorganisms. 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: 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-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Designing and conducting research or development activities in the biological or agricultural sciences involving one or more of the following: molecular biology, molecular or population genetics, evolutionary ecology, entomology, wildlife ecology, gene drives, or mathematical modeling Working on analytical tasks and applying problem solving and analytic skills to support innovative solutions to unique and/or politically sensitive issues. Supporting communications to diverse groups, and keeping frequent personal contact with appropriate supervisory levels. Identifying key facts in a range of data and breaks down complex information into component parts in a range of data as well as collecting information on microorganisms related to plant and microorganism interactions. Understanding underlying principles, patterns, or themes in an array of related information from varied sources. Apply logic and complex layer of rules to analyze and categorize complicated information. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a PH.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the fields of biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. 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 COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that 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. 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.In the first year, focus on developing more standardized procedures and guidelines (new risk assessment methods and management strategies) for release permit applications for modified microorganisms.The second year, provide a clearer understanding of how new microbial species can be evaluated in a regulatory and risk management context for regulatory decision-making processes.Identifies data and information needs for risk assessment of modified microbes in the agricultural ecosystem and their use in bioremediation.Identifies and assesses the impact of information and data absence and uncertainty on risk assessment outcomes.Develops conceptual risk assessment approaches and identifies potential risk thresholds or assessment outcomes that could inform decision-making.Assist in the development of draft guidance for product evaluation, risk assessment, and risk mitigation for the transition from laboratory to small scale field testing.Also serving as a liaison between APHIS and other regulatory agencies and foster interagency discussions.Depending upon the progress and relevance of the incumbent’s efforts, this position may be extended for up to two additional years. Position Start Date: 04/05/2024 Position Close Date: 04/11/2024 Salary Offered: 82764.0 - 107590.0 USD Per Year You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. MRP offers an array of occupations and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team! To learn more about what it's like to work at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the APHIS careers site. APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response Please see the full announcement on USAJobs by clicking on the APPLY button!

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