Summary This position is located in the Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in Ames, IA. The incumbent is responsible for working in collaboration with laboratory scientists and other computational biologists to research and develop novel bioinformatics-based solutions for analyzing and interpreting genomic, metagenomic, and gene expression datasets from animals and microbes. Responsibilities Designs and uses computer software, algorithms, and approaches to perform bioinformatics analyses for experimental procedures, techniques, and data formats. Establishes and maintains data processing pipelines with appropriate quality control procedures for high-throughput data streams Contributes research findings through publication of journal articles, proceedings publications, presentation at national and international meetings and stakeholder workshops. Performs data analysis support aimed at developing systems-biology models of host-microbiota or host-pathogen interactions and immune response mechanisms associated with livestock and poultry diseases and food safety. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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 Education: General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series, 0401: A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND In addition to the basic requirement above, all applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications: Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: At the GS-12 Level: Qualifying experience for GS-12 includes one-year of specialized experience comparable to GS-11 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience conducting bioinformatics or computational biology research in genomics, transcriptomics, and/or proteomics; using computer sofware and databases systems for storing and retrieving descriptor data and evaluating genetic diversity. At the GS-13 Level: Qualifying experience for GS-13 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-12 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience in designing and using computer software, algorithms, and approaches to perform bioinformatics analyses for experimental procedures, techniques, and data formats. 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), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP 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/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. 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. 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.