Serves as a Microbiologist in the Microbiology Branch of the Laboratory Regulatory Operations (LRO), Office of Public Health Science. Performs Microbiological analyses on regulatory samples, as well as various tasks associated with the adaptation and validation of methods and test systems used in field laboratories in the analysis of meat, poultry, and egg products. The samples are submitted by various Food Safety and Inspection Service field personnel located throughout the United States.
Qualifications: Applicants can qualify for the different grades based on specialized experience, education or a combination of specialized experience and education as outlined below. To qualify at the GS-5: Fully meet the basic education requirements described in the individual occupational requirements (IOR). To qualify at the GS-7: An applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade or its equivalent OR one year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement. To qualify based on specialized experience at the GS-7 grade, an applicant's experience must have met the following: Performing microbiological analyses with guidance in a laboratory setting. Reviewing microbiological data and preparing reports or documentation with guidance. Assisting in quality assurance or quality control activities under supervision. To qualify at the GS-9 grade: An applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-7 grade or its equivalent OR two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree. To qualify based on specialized experience at the GS-9 grade, an applicant's experience must have met the following: Independently working with microbiological samples, media, or assays in a laboratory setting. Independently performing electronic record keeping, preparing detailed reports on microbiological analyses and making preliminary evaluations. Implementing quality assurance or quality control procedures, performing equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting basic issues. To qualify at the GS-11 grade: An applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade or its equivalent OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. To qualify based on specialized experience at the GS-11 grade, an applicant's experience must have met the following: Independently performing high-throughput microbiological analyses on a variety of matrices and interpreting results in a regulatory or research laboratory setting. Independently performing electronic record keeping, preparing advanced reports and presenting findings to internal or external stakeholders. Implementing quality assurance or quality control procedures, performing equipment maintenance, and providing training to junior staff. To qualify at the GS-12 grade: An applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade or its equivalent. An applicant's experience must have met the following: Independently performing high-throughput microbiological analyses on a variety of matrices and interpreting results in a regulatory or research laboratory setting. Independently performing electronic record keeping, preparing advanced reports and presenting findings to internal or external stakeholders. Leading the development and validation of new methods or technologies. Independently implementing quality assurance or quality control procedures, performing equipment maintenance, and providing training to junior staff. 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.
Performs microbial analyses on a variety of samples of meat, poultry and egg products.
Performs microbial examinations of meat or poultry products and their ingredients to determine presence, numbers, and species of bacteria, Salmonella, Listeria, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Campylobacter.
Prepares and maintains reagents.
Performs lot acceptance on commercially acquired test kits and reagents.
Operates and maintains a variety of analytical instruments.
Maintains quality control on instrumentation necessary to perform assigned analyses.
Maintains quality assurance records to serve as documentation for ISO 17025 accreditation, the Microbiological Laboratory Guidebook, and the Quality Assurance Plan of the laboratory.
Interprets and evaluates the results of the analyses according to FSIS and OPHS laboratory policy.
Develops and writes laboratory and section work instructions, spreadsheets, and forms for adoption into the laboratory quality system.
Accurately reflects work performed daily by recording on prescribed documents and within the electronic Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Maintains quality assurance records in such a manner that they serve as documentation for ISO criteria for the USDA Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook and the Quality Assurance Plan of the Laboratory Guidebook.
Presents findings in a transparent and accurate manner.