Summary If selected, you will provide leadership and expertise in the production of references materials and reagents used to diagnose important diseases of livestock, including producing serum proficiency panels and maintaining serum banks used to produce serological proficiency tests and qualify reagents. You will have the prime responsibility for the supervision, evaluation, and development of the reagent production functions of the assigned laboratory. Responsibilities 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. Acts as a scientific advisor to the NVSL Director regarding reagents and reagent production. Responsible for developing and documenting reagent production and providing technical expertise for the qualification of those reagents for use in National Programs. Responsible for resolving technical difficulties, interpreting test results on finished products and proficiency tests, and ensuring that the results are scientifically sound. Develops, reviews, and provides comments on new and revised rules, regulations and standard operating procedures affecting the section. Responsible for managing the reagent production, serum banking, and proficiency testing activities of the team in accordance with national program rules, regulations, and procedures. Serves as a consultant and advisor on the production of reagents for the testing for livestock diseases and on the proficiency tests used to approve other laboratories to conduct selected tests. Presents information on the reagents produced by the team and on the proficiency tests prepared by the team to approve other laboratories to conduct selected tests for livestock diseases. 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-14 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-13 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Providing supervisory and technical leadership to a laboratory unit producing reagents and proficiency test panels to customers. Leading staff to coordinate the shipping of reagents and proficiency panels to national and international customers following USDA and APHIS policies. Managing professional and technical staff to ensure ISO accredited processes for producing diagnostic reagents are followed. Coordinating developmental projects to improve reagents and diagnostic tests for APHIS priority diseases. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. 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. 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.