Job Announcement: Microbiologist (Associate Service Fellow)

Position Title: Microbiologist (Associate Service Fellow)
Location: Atlanta, GA
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Sub-Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Organization: OPHPR/Division of Select Agents and Toxins
Salary: $74,260 to $96,538 (RG-0403 equivalent)
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00AM to 4:30PM
Duration of Appointment: Five Years
Apply by: October 12, 2016
 

Job Description

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (PHPR), Division of Select Agents and Toxins (DSAT) is seeking a full-time Associate Service Fellow to serve as a Microbiologist in its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. DSAT develops, implements, and enforces select agent regulations (42 CFR 73) to ensure that work with potentially dangerous biological agents and toxins in laboratories across the nation is conducted as safely and securely as possible. The ideal candidate has expertise in identifying and analyzing biosafety and security issues, and a strong background and knowledge of issues within laboratories.

The incumbent will assess national BSL 2 and 3 facilities that work with biological agents and toxins to determine regulatory compliance and to ensure that these facilities are working safely with the agents for which they are registered, ensure all laboratory procedures, equipment, and facilities meet nationally-recognized safety standards, and identify and analyze biosafety and biosecurity-related issues and their impact on select agent laboratories.

Additional duties include preparing written reports of findings, including recommendations for improvements and approval, serving as a point of contact for regulated entities and reviewing applications and amendments to confirm regulatory requirements are met, participating in compliance investigations of facilities that pose a threat to public health and safety, providing information and guidance to chief investigators and scientists to help ensure compliance with safety and security requirements, responding to inquiries about provisions of 42 CFR 73 (e.g., from government, industry, and university laboratory facilities that may be impacted by the regulation, organizations, and the concerned public), participating in the development of guidance documents and training materials for internal use and for the regulated community, and analyzing inspection and investigation data to identify trends in departures from the select agent regulations.

Qualification Requirements

The successful candidate will possess a degree in 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. In addition to the above requirements, the candidate must possess a Master's degree in a scientific field of study.

Exceptional written and verbal communications skills are required. Evidence of leadership and scholarly accomplishments within the field of study will be required.

Education Requirement: This position has an education requirement. Upon request, you must submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer. Failure to submit transcripts or indicated college courses information will cause loss of consideration for this position.

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/employment/newhire/newhire.html.

Basic Requirements

• Both US citizens and non-US citizens are eligible.
• Non-US citizens meeting the above degree and specified specialized experience requirements are eligible for noncompetitive appointments under this appointing authority. Citizens of countries on the Non-Aligned list (including China, India, and Switzerland) are eligible for this appointment. Citizens of countries that have been determined by the U.S. Secretary of State to be State Sponsors of Terrorism will not be able to obtain a security clearance to work at CDC and should not be considered for this appointing authority. Countries currently on this list include: Iran, Sudan, and Syria. See http://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm.
• Successful completion of a background investigation.
• 40% travel may be required.

EEO Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

How to Apply

Email your resume and college transcripts to: DSATWorkforce@CDC.GOV by 11:59 pm EST October 12, 2016

Selection/Acceptance Process

Applications will be reviewed and interviews may be conducted.