Summary This position is in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Disease Center (NADC), Director’s Office located in Ames, Iowa. In this position, you will carry out the full range of routine tests, procedures, activities, performance and development of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) projects, specific experiments, analyses, and measurements in support of the research project objectives. Responsibilities Performs a wide range of duties designed to solve complex biological research problems related to HPAI projects including coordination. Maintains equipment and instrumentation in optimal condition, performing routine and preventive maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs. Assists with performance of virologic methods, tissue culture, antibody or cell mediated immune assays, molecular techniques, diagnostic assays, animal models (bovine, swine, ferret), biocontainment, data management, and record keeping. Assists in identifying proper experimental approaches in HPAI research projects. Reviews scientific literature and selects principles, methods, and procedures most appropriate to meet research goals. Carries out measurements and analyses by applying established or modified methods for HPAI projects. Prepares results of experimental findings conducted, including initial interpretation of significance to the overall project goals, for inclusion in manuscripts, technical reports, meeting posters, oral presentations, and progress reports. Assists with issues related to animal and laboratory space needs and room modification issues. 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 Requirements 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 in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND In addition to the basic requirement listed above, all applicants must also meet the following minimum qualification requirements: 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: Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 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 coordinating efforts between laboratories to support research objectives; conducting biological experiments related to infectious diseases or pathogens; and assisting in identifying proper experimental approaches for research projects. OR Education: Successful completion of 3 years of Ph.D. education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent graduate degree in a field directly related to the duties of the position. Related degrees may include microbiology, biology, molecular biology, computational biology, immunology, genetics, or biomedical sciences. OR A combination of Ph.D. level education and specialized experience as described above. 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. 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. This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 10 years.