Clarification from the agency

Open to all U.S. Citizens. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles.

Duties

As a Geneticist your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Provides overall technical coordination of complex molecular genetic analyses for a
variety of projects working with different aquatic species and genetic analysis
methods in the Whitney Genetics Lab, with emphasis on environmental DNA
(eDNA) marker development and testing for species identification, quantitative PCR
for eDNA analyses, and metabarcoding for eDNA analysis. This coordination will
ensure data standardization, consistency, and quality control; optimization of
information; and technical coordination among projects in order to identify
information "gaps" and prevent duplication of effort. Uses DNA markers and automated DNA analyzers/sequencers to collect genotypic
and DNA sequence data on aquatic species. These procedures include extraction
and archiving of DNA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of target
genes/sequences, operation and maintenance of sophisticated laboratory
equipment including quantitative PCR machines, automated liquid handling
systems, and next-gen DNA sequencers, and generation, storage, and back-up of
electronic genetic data files. Works as a team leader or as a member of a team to conduct complex molecular
genetic analyses for a variety of projects working with environmental samples, fish
species, and genetic analysis methods (e.g. to detect and monitor aquatic invasive
species or threatened and endangered species, determine genetic similarities and
relationships, assign individuals to population of origin, quantify levels of genetic
variation within and among populations, and identify species). Performs statistical analyses and generates graphical representations of study
results, maintains results in databases, and incorporates these data into written
reports, scientific publications, and oral presentations. Statistical methods include
but are not limited to: analysis of environmental DNA detection data, bioinformatic
analysis of high throughput DNA sequence data, analyses of genetic variation
within and among populations, and analysis of genetic population structure.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume. Eligibility and Supporting documents - You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to AND submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section. Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation. Driver's License: Selectees MAY be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure. Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period. Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 06/26/2024 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.

Basic Requirement: Possess a degree with a major in genetics; or one of the basic biological sciences that included at least 9 semester hours in genetics.
Minimum Qualification [GS-11] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-09 level in the Federal service. Examples of qualifying specialized experience may include: (1) operating specialized molecular genetics laboratory equipment such as next-gen DNA sequencers; (2) Utilizes molecular genetic techniques including next-gen library prep of DNA; (3) Utilize genetic concepts and principles to design and analyze data using bioinformatic workflows and writing python scripts (or other programming language); (4) conduct statistical analysis of genetic data; and (5) Communicate study results to diverse audiences. OR Possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or have successfully completed 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. in genetics or another closely related field which places sufficient emphasis on genetics and which provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. You must upload a copy of your transcript.. OR A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement. 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, knowledge, and skills 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

PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.

PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit:

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