• 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:
• Assists in the compilation and management of the datasets of molecular sequences of plant pests from port interceptions and domestic surveys that threaten U.S. agriculture.
• Assumes technical operational responsibility for planning, performing, and recording diagnostic laboratory activities within the quarantine programs.
• Oversees diagnostic activities related to many pests intercepted at ports of entries or from domestic surveys which require molecular identification.
• Performs classical, real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCR) sequencing using the Sanger method and sequence analysis to identify pests from port interceptions and domestic surveys.
• Modifies written Agency protocols in order to improve the identification of pests of various life stages as applied to taxonomy of pests of regulatory significance.
• Assists other scientists in developing, adapting, and implementing new laboratory protocols for identifying pests of regulatory concern.
• Assists the Plant Pathogen Diagnostic Certification Program in the deployment and use of molecular technology in relation to identification activities.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.

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-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS07) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

- Experience using molecular techniques including conventional PCR, real-time PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis, and other molecular and/or serological methods.
- Independently carries out day-to-day technical operations of the laboratory and follows good laboratory practices.
- Executes laboratory activities planned by senior staff, and assists with maintaining databases and tissue/nucleic acid sample
collections with little supervision.
- Experience maintaining inventories of laboratory reagents, chemicals, supplies, equipment, and other items.
- Analyzes, summarizes data, and generates written/oral reports for senior staff and/or supervisor.

OR

2 years of progressively higher level graduate education in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines leading to a Master's degree or masters or equivalent graduate degree

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.