Summary This position is located within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area (PA), National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Manhattan, KS. The incumbent is responsible for developing and evaluating the bioprocesses related to detection, diagnostics, and veterinary medical countermeasures to high-consequence veterinary pathogens such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus and African Swine Fever Virus. Responsibilities Maintain and scale cell cultures, including transferring adherent cells to suspension lines. Develop upstream and downstream processes for vaccines and biologics using bioreactors up to 200 L. Perform bioreactor runs, optimization, antigen concentration, and formulation of candidate countermeasures. Perform data analysis, apply Quality by Design (QbD) principles, and evaluate results for suitability and accuracy. Maintain and calibrate moderately complex laboratory instruments and bioprocessing systems. Ensure compliance with select agent rules, biosafety requirements (BSL-2/3/4), and OSHA standards. Support research projects aligned with NP 103. Assist with editing reports, drafting scientific content, and preparing data for publications, presentations, and regulatory submissions. Support patenting, invention disclosures, and other tech-transfer documentation. Apply OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, select agent regulations, and biosafety practices (BSL-2/3/4). Follow national/international policies regarding veterinary countermeasures, IP, dual-use research, and international exchange. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Basic Requirements for Biologics Series, 0401: Degree: Biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR A combination of education and experience: Specifically, you must have course work equivalent to a major that included courses as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic education requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below: FOR THE GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 is fulfilled by having experience conducting bioprocess development activities such as maintaining cell cultures, developing upstream and/or downstream processes, or operating bioreactors or related fermentation systems for production of biologics, vaccines, or diagnostic materials. FOR THE GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 is fulfilled by having experience leading bioprocess development for biologics, vaccines, or diagnostic material; independently designing, modifying, and validating upstream and downstream processes; operating and scaling bioreactors/ fermenters (e.g., shake flask to production-scale systems up to ~200 L); and transferring adherent cell lines to suspension culture for bioreactor use. FOR THE GS-14: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-14 is fulfilled by having experience serving as a technical authority in biotechnology and bioprocessing; developing and optimizing upstream and downstream manufacturing processes, including bioreactor-based production systems; scaling laboratory processes to pilot-scale production; providing technical leadership and consultation to multidisciplinary research teams; communicating scientific findings through technical reports, presentations, publications, or regulatory documentation. 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. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. The Office of Personnel Management has granted Direct Hire Authority for Scientific, Technical, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Positions, Acquisitions, Cybersecurity and Related Positions. There is a critical hiring need, and these positions play a critical role within the Agency. The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/Career-Conditional) positions under Direct Hire Authority. Under this authority, any U.S. citizen may apply. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is performed in both an office environment and biocontainment laboratory. Work may require long periods of standing and recurring bending, reaching, or similar activities, and lifting of equipment or samples weighing less than 50 pounds. Some work may involve wearing of personal protective equipment, including a respirator (N-95 or PAPR), while entering infectious disease laboratories, engineering support areas, or animal facilities areas. The incumbent may be required to work around large, restrained animals. This further requires working around quickly often frightened, unpredictable, and ill-natured animals. Travel may be required. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work is performed in an office, laboratories, and as needed, animal containment facilities. The work involves exposure to the risks and hazards of harmful biological, chemical, and physical agents are possible. Immunizations with vaccines may be required to enter facilities conducting work with human diseases. The incumbent may be required to occasionally wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators, air pressurized suits, hearing protection, eye protection, boots, gloves, and coveralls.
