Biological Scientist (Compliance Manager)

Full Job Description

As the Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) Compliance Manager you will be responsible for managing the compliance of FADDL's scientific mission to select agent regulations at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF).

For additional information regarding the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), please visit the hyperlink for a short video.

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 in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR: Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major (which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours), as shown above, in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to the basic requirement above, applicants must also meet the following: FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Manages compliance to federal select agent regulations, supports audits and inspections, and manages select agent inventories.

Applies knowledge of biosafety protocols to ensure safe and proper handling of select agents in a laboratory setting.

Writes and maintains technical documents and protocols related to handling of pathogens and conducting laboratory activities.

Leads and conducts incident investigations, root cause analyses, and other assessments to implement improved processes. 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. You are qualifying for the position based on education.

You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.

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. Major Duties:

• 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:
• Serves as APHIS science lead at NBAF, managing select agent compliance and coordinating with FADDL leaders to ensure full program adherence to federal regulations.
• Provides technical and subject matter expertise for developing and implementing policies governing possession, use, and transfer of select agents and toxins
• Develops workflows integrating FADDL scientific programs with select agent compliance, aligning with Federal, State, local regulations, agency policies, and best practices.
• Leads creation and maintenance of select agent compliance documents, including security, biosafety, and emergency response plans; ensures personnel training.
• Briefs leadership and staff on issues, and devises strategies for procedural updates and compliance changes.
• Provides oversight and expert judgement on biosafety issues, resolving complex compliance challenges and creating strategies that align with national and international guidelines.