Summary This position is located within the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Genetics, Breeding and Animal Health Research Unit, located in Clay Center, NE. In this position, you will serve as a support scientist responsible for managing the USMARC Core Laboratory for shared instrumentation, receive samples in various forms from scientists at USMARC and collaborating institutions, and track samples and accurately return high-quality data to the users. Responsibilities Manages the facilities for DNA sequencing, characterization of microbes including potential pathogens, LC/MS of metabolites and proteins, and proximate analysis of animal tissue. Receives samples in various forms from scientists at USMARC and collaborating institutions and is responsible for tracking samples and accurately returning high-quality data to the users. Ensures that sample inventory is up to date, and historical samples are kept available until released by the Core Facility users of origin. Serves as a support scientist responsible for managing the USMARC Core Laboratory for shared instrumentation. Acts as liaison between the technical staff and users and consults with scientists and the SD on their projects and requirements for staff and instrument time, to develop realistic project timelines and costs. Assists the SD in tracking progress on Core Facility projects and adjusting effort/priority to maximize the total output of the facility. Ensures that technical staff keep the LIMS database current and accurate. Ensures that routine maintenance of equipment is performed, and supplies required for operation of the instruments are at appropriate levels to prevent research delays. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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: Applicants must have one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-09 grade level for consideration for the GS-11 grade level). Basic Requirements A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-11 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is serving as a support scientist or managing a Core Laboratory; managing DNA sequencing, characterization of microbes including potential pathogens, LC/MS of metabolites and proteins, or proximate analysis of animal tissue; and collaborating with other institutions to track samples and accurately return high-quality data. OR Education: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree if directly related. Related degrees may include biological sciences, biochemistry, or computational biology. OR Combination of experience and education: I have a qualifying combination of education and experience as described above. 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) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP 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 applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. 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. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.