Supervisory Microbiologist

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Branch of a Field Services Laboratory, Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS).

The incumbent supervises the technical operations of one of the Microbiology Sections; provides scientific expertise in this area of specialization to FSIS, the Department of Agriculture, other agencies, and industry; and provides expert witness testimony as required in the area of specialization and represents FSIS at meetings on matters concerning microbiology.

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 the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled (e.g., one year at the GS-12 grade level for consideration at the GS-13 grade level.)For the GS-13 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that demonstrates experience: Performing or directing microbiological analyses of food products (such as meat, poultry, or egg products) for pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E.

coli (STEC) using advanced techniques like Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), PCR, or LAMP.

Preparing scientific reports, analytical data summaries, or technical briefings for dissemination to agency leadership, field staff, or professional scientific meetings.

Providing technical consultation to field personnel regarding sample collection or microbiological procedures.

Leading a group of professionals or technical personnel in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. Analyzing technical data or reports for accuracy.

For more information on the Individual Occupational Requirements for this position, click here.

Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included 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.

OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

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:

• Participates with the Branch Chief and/or Director in formulating and recommending policies and objectives relative to the operation of the Microbiology Branch.
• Plans, directs, and/or performs complex analyses of meat, poultry, pasteurized egg products for the isolation, enumeration, and identification of bacteria.
• Utilizes extensive analytical expertise in performing or directing various serological and biochemical tests, genetic-based tests (such as PCR or LAMP),and other microbiological techniques.
• Provides effective leadership, direction, and coordination of those activities related to the function of the laboratory as well as the entire Microbiology Branch.
• Plans and assigns work to subordinates, organizes work schedules as needed; evaluates performance of subordinates; assures quantity and quality of work is performed timely; corrects deficiencies in employees' performance.
• Approves leave and reviews time and attendance of subordinates.
• Reviews, evaluates, and interprets all analytical reports related to area of specialization for technical accuracy.
• Plans, develops and administers the analyst training and qualification programs for testing meat, poultry, and pasteurized egg products in the Microbiology Branch.
• Advises In-Plant Personnel (IPP) and other FSIS personnel in a consultative capacity when needed for assistance in collection of samples at the processing plant according to FSIS directives and/or notices.
• Maintains a workforce proficient in microbiology methods outlined in the Laboratory Quality System. Oversees microbiologists’ analyses of laboratory proficiency test samples.
• Supports all related science and public health programs and initiatives as assigned to accomplish the mission of OPHS.
• Provides counsel and advice on quality systems issues following the ISO/IEC 17025 standard or CLIA requirements.
• Provides leadership to modernize microbiology technologies deployed into FSIS Laboratories.
• Reviews and assists in updating the Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook, the FSIS Laboratory Quality Manual, Standard Operating Procedures, and related documents on laboratory procedures and analytical testing methods.