Microbiologist

Duties

As a Microbiologist you will:

• Maintain accurate records of all test results and prepare reports of data collected and tests performed.
• Perform a wide range of microbiological laboratory tests and procedures in an infectious disease laboratory such as culture, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and molecular typing for the detection and characterization of microorganisms of public health interest.
• Perform recurring, standard microbiological techniques to detect, identify and characterize biological and/or other agents from diagnostic, surveillance, experimental, and reference samples.
• Provide assistance in developing and evaluating diagnostic and molecular methods through research using state-of-the art techniques on microbiological pathogens.
• Evaluate progress of the experiment to determine whether data generated are accurate and valid and to identify unusual or unexpected results and their probable causes.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:
Degree in microbiology or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that includes 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 from an accredited college and/or university.
-OR-
Combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Minimum Qualifications:
In addition to meeting the basic qualifications requirements above, applicants must have one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service as defined in the next paragraph:
Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position to successfully perform the duties of this position to include, performing, interpreting, and describing a variety of laboratory procedures related to pathogenic microorganisms.
-OR-
Have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree that is directly related to the duties of the position.
-OR-
Have a combination of specialized experience and graduate level education that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

Documenting experience: In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have gained experience by performing duties and responsibilities appropriate for their official series and grade level as described in their position description. Experience that would not normally be part of the employee's position is creditable, however, when documented by satisfactory evidence, such as a signed memorandum from the employee's supervisor or an SF-50 or SF-52 documenting an official detail or other official assignment. The documentation must indicate whether the duties were performed full time or, if part time, the percentage of times the other duties were performed. It is expected that this documentation is included in the employee's official personnel record. In order to receive credit for experience in your resume that is not within the official series and grade level of your official position, you must provide a copy of the appropriate documentation of such experience as indicated above.

Education

Foreign Education: Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the education requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit:

Foreign Education Evaluation