Biological Scientist

Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) within the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) protects American agriculture and American public and farmers from foreign animal and dangerous, exotic diseases by conducting research, developing vaccines, performing diagnostic testing, and training veterinarians to respond to these bio-threats. Your development and validation of diagnostic tests and reagents for foreign animal diseases will help prevent their outbreak and spread.

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:
• Utilizing and troubleshooting molecular assays (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/RT PCR, sequencing, primer/probe design), immunoassays (ELISA, IFA, Western blot, serology), virus isolation/titration, and diagnostic assay validation.
• Developing and updating standard operating procedures and quality worksheets as needed. Working in a general laboratory inventory system of biological samples
• Independently performing and training others on a range of specialized tests for the isolation, detection, identification, for a range of organisms/pathogens.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the clinical, pathological manifestations of animal disease with particular depth in those conditions important to animal health programs methods.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures for identification and characterization of animal viruses and other microorganisms.

• 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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./
• 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.