Summary This position is a Geneticist, GS- 0440-11 working in Auburn, AL for the R4-Warm Springs Fish Technology Center. Responsibilities As a Geneticist your duties will include but are not limited to the following: 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 different aquatic species and genetic analysis methods (e.g. to determine genetic similarities and relationships, assign individuals to population of origin, quantify levels of genetic variation within and among populations, and identify species and sex). Oversees and schedules laboratory activities performed by 1-2 biological technicians, students, and/or volunteers. Responsible for performing routine lab work. Analyzes genetics data to answer research questions, including those that evaluate and enhance regional conservation programs (e.g., National Fish Hatcheries). Write technical reports about research they perform. In collaboration with the Regional Geneticist, write grants and peer-reviewed publications. Present research at species-specific, regional, and national meetings. Participate in technical recovery committees like the Tennessee River Lake Sturgeon Reintroduction Working Group. Work with the Regional Geneticist on annual work planning and reporting. The work involves resource management consideration with wide geographic implications which affects the effectiveness and efficiency of the Service programs and their acceptance by stakeholders. Performs statistical analyses and generates graphical representations of study results, and incorporates these data into written reports, scientific publications, and oral presentations. Uses linux command line, command line programs, and the statistical programming language R for analyses. Implements the lab's Data Storage SoP and ensures all data are appropriately backed-up and archived. Implement day-to-day tasks for data management. Stays up to date on technical and theoretical aspects of conservation genetics research by reading primary literature and attending trainings. Uses DNA markers and automated DNA analyzers/sequencers to collect genotypic, gene frequency, and DNA sequence data on aquatic organisms. Procedures include extraction and archiving of DNA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of target genes/sequences, restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq), whole-genome sequencing, and operation and maintenance of sophisticated laboratory equipment including PCR machines, Fragment Analyzers, and liquid handling robots. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Only experience and education obtained by 07/10/2024 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 at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes: (1) collaborating with federal and non-federal geneticists; (2) training graduate students and others on genetic data generation techniques; (3) applying bioinformatics to analyze population genomic data; (4) utilizing best-practices for working with environmental DNA (eDNA); (5) conducting field work to obtain genetic material of freshwater organisms using lethal and non-lethal approaches; (6)designing GT-seq panels and performing lab work to generate GT-seq data; and (7) working with automated lab workflows. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified. 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. 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. Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically, i. Area of Consideration. ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502. iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions or for Federal Wage System (FWS), wage grade positions, applicants are evaluated using the OPM Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations and the job element examining method Your SF-50 will be used to confirm you meet all requirements Performance rating of record review: All applicants must provide a copy of their current performance rating dated within the past 18 months verifying their performance is at a fully successful level or higher. Applicants who do not have a current rating of record available must provide a reason and certify that their performance is acceptable, and they have not been advised that their performance is currently at an unacceptable level. Applicants who have an unsuccessful performance rating, or who have certified that their performance is not at an acceptable level will not be eligible for hiring consideration. 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) Additional Information PCS INFORMATION: No PCS entitlements authorized Telework: This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP):Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/" Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process. The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA),P.L. 114-47, allows certain individuals who currently or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies to compete under merit promotion procedures. Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA. Performance documentation can be obtained by contacting the supervisors for the positions you served in during your 24 months. If they did not complete performance appraisals ask them to provide a statement of performance for each period of service. The statement must specify the dates for each employment period and your level of performance (dates should match the dates on the SF-50s). Current appointees: Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency; Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; AND Must have performed at an acceptable level. Former appointees: Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency; Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; Must apply for position within 2 years after separation; Must have been separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; AND Must have performed at an acceptable level.