The position of Chief Scientist is in the Office of Public Health Science (OPHS), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). OPHS provides expert scientific analysis, advice, data, and recommendations on all matters involving public health and science of concern to FSIS.
The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY. DO NOT submit separate Technical Qualifications in lieu of a resume. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To apply for this position, you need only submit a resume which CANNOT exceed TWO (2) pages using 0.8-inch margins and an 11-point font. Any resume that exceeds the maximum length of two (2) pages will be removed from consideration. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. Failure to meet the basic qualification requirement and address all Technical Qualification factors within your resume will result in your application being disqualified. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Technical Qualifications (TQs). TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Please give examples and explain the complexity of the knowledge possessed and the sensitivity of the issue you handled. The Mandatory Technical Qualifications are listed below. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-14/15 grade level in the federal service or its equivalent in the private sector. Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their resume that they meet the following technical qualification(s). Failure to meet basic qualification requirements and to submit narratives for the Mandatory Technical Qualification factors will automatically disqualify an applicant. Demonstrate your ability to guide and mentor teams of scientists working on critical food safety and public health initiatives. Emphasize your ability to set strategic direction, foster cross-agency collaboration, and inspire innovation, resulting in the swift development and effective communication of practical solutions that create measurable impact and advance scientific knowledge and processes. Highlight your leadership philosophy in leading others through change, adapting quickly to evolving circumstances to deliver results. Time in grade requirements does not apply to SL positions. 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. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility (including educational) requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Ensures Agency policies have a sound scientific basis, assesses the effectiveness of strategies and interventions to insure food safety, and contributes scientific expertise in food safety and food security emergencies.
Cultivates and maintains contacts in the medical and scientific community as well as with industry, with consumer groups, and with professional and academic institutions.
Interfaces with officials from Federal, State and local public health and agricultural offices, providing information on and insight into matters of meat, poultry and egg product safety and public health.
Participates in conferences, meetings, hearings, and presentations involving broad national or global problems or issues of considerable consequence or importance regarding public health and food safety.
Coordinates all OPHS scientific program efforts, especially those that cross program lines; serves as primary contact for all activities; and is the recognized spokesperson on key food safety and public health initiatives.
Performs critical analyses of key technical programs and program components to ensure conformance with major program policies and to identify options available for attaining optimum scientific effectiveness.
Develops, presents, and negotiates for acceptance of OPHS strategy on critical food safety and public health issues.