Summary
This position is a Geneticist, GS- 0440-11 working in Onalaska, WI for the R3-Whitney Genetics Lab.
This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R3-24-12441412-AW-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
This job is open to
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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This vacancy will utilize a multiple hurdle assessment process to determine the qualifications of applicants. The first hurdle will consist of applicants completing an occupational questionnaire related to the major duties and competencies of the position. The second hurdle will consist of applicant resumes being reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel for related position competencies against a pre-determined rating schedule. This process will determine the final rating of the applicant for possible referral to the hiring official for hiring consideration. Note: If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications which resulted in you being listed in the highest quality category, you may lose consideration, or be assigned to a lower quality category for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
- Knowledge of statistical methods for analyzing environmental DNA and/or population genetic data.
- Skill in collecting genotypic, targeted presence/absence, and DNA sequence data on aquatic organisms.
- Ability to communicate in writing.
- Ability to design conservation genetics and eDNA dataset studies.
- Ability to communicate orally.
- General and Technical
All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. The category ratings for this position are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified
The category rating process protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).
Required Documents
You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.
Required Documents:
1. Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, and description of job duties. Note: Current and former Federal employees should include the grade level of their federal positions. Include name and address of employer, supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification. Note: Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
2. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
Additional Documentation, if applicable:
1. Cover Letter
2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
4. Current and former federal employees - It is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointments/separations, promotions, within-grade increases.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. 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 or the application text.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
- Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12441413.
- Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
- Announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. ET after 50 applications have been received or on the closing date, 06/26/2024 whichever occurs first. Applications must be received prior to the announcement closing to receive consideration.
- Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.
Next steps
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
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