Biologist/Toxicologist

Job Overview

Summary

Earth Day is every day at EPA! At EPA, you can protect human health and the environment of all Americans, and you’ll discover that EPA is one great place to work! We offer great benefits and work flexibilities, and our diverse workforce connects to more than just a career--we share a common passion to promote a cleaner, healthier environment. Discover how exciting safeguarding our natural resources and protecting human health can be. Find yourself at EPA.

This position is located in the Office of Research and Development (ORD), National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA), Integrated Risk Information Systems Division (IRISD).

The location for this position may be at one of the following: Arlington, VA; or Durham, NC.

The duty location will be determined after a selection has been made for this position. The salary will be commensurate with the duty location.

For more information on this office, visit their website: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-research-and-development-ord

Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed above.

Duties

You will:

-Lead health assessment work that is focused on biological, neurotoxicological, reproductive and/or developmental effects associated with exposure to various chemicals and environmental substances.

-Serve as an expert in designing and conducting analyses to develop logical, credible health assessment documents that reflect current scientific principles and risk assessment methodologies.

-Identify gaps in research and recommend areas of further study or development.

-Provide key technical guidance on complex scientific issues and selection of methodologies and approaches to various problems and issues in risk assessment.

-Evaluate neurobiological or reproductive and/or developmental studies and data in quantitative and qualitative risk assessment.

You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts.

Relocation Authorized

No

Job Requirements

Key Requirements

If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
You must submit resume and required documents (See How to Apply)
You must be a U.S. citizen.
Position has educational/degree requirements. (See Qualifications Section)
EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.

Qualifications

You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position.

Biologist:You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in one of the following: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed.

Toxicologist: You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in toxicology, or an appropriate discipline of the biological, medical, or veterinary sciences that included at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, biochemistry, or physiology, and 12 semester hours in toxicology.

As part of the application process, you are required to submit college transcripts or a list of courses as described in the Required Documents section of this announcement. However, if you are selected, you must provide official educational transcripts before you start work with EPA. More information on verification of education can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/careers/epa-job-vacancy-announcements-policies-and-procedures

In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:

To qualify for the GS-13 level, you need to have at least one year of full time experience equivalent to the GS-12 level defined as independently planning and conducting research or developing human health risk assessments or related documents for chemicals with reproductive, developmental, or neurotoxicological focus and/or demonstrating expertise in the area(s) of neurotoxicology, neurobiology, reproductive toxicology, developmental toxicology, developmental biology, reproductive physiology, or related fields.

Your answers to the on-line assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of biology, neurobiology, reproductive biology, or developmental biology; 2) Ability to serve as a technical authority in using discipline specific approaches to develop assessments; 3) Ability to incorporate the latest developments in the relevant scientific fields into usable technical protocols and guidelines; 4) Ability to generate procedures or methods that can be incorporated into program assessments; 5) Skill in oral communication; 6) Skill in written communication.

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.

If you are selected, you must complete a one year probationary period.

This position is designated as Moderate Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation.

Security Clearance

Public Trust - Background Investigation

Additional Information

What To Expect Next

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account.

You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJobs that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package.

You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required.

Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education.

If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.

BENEFITS

Review our benefits

Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.

Other Information

This information is used to determine your qualifications for employment. The use of this information is authorized under Title 5 USC, Sections 3302 and 3361.

Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents and visit the EPA website for additional information: http://www.epa.gov/careers/epa-job-vacancy-announcements-policies-and-procedures

EPA participates in e-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: http://www.epa.gov/careers/epa-job-vacancy-announcements-policies-and-procedures

If you have part-time work experience, read this: http://www.epa.gov/careers/epa-job-vacancy-announcements-policies-and-procedures

It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual’s employment experience will be used only to determine the person’s qualifications and to assess his or her relative level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Although an individual’s personal conduct may be relevant in any employment decision, including conduct during periods of unemployment or evidence of dishonesty in handling financial matters, financial difficulty that has arisen through no fault of the individual will generally not itself be the basis of an unfavorable suitability or fitness determination.

For more information, visit https://hru.gov/Studio_Recruitment/tools/Mythbuster_on_Federal_Hiring_Policies.pdf .

Position has portable work and selectee may be eligible to telework.

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/458873000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Biologist/Toxicologist

Environmental Protection Agency

Work Schedule is Full-time - Permanent

Salary Range

Series & Grade

Promotion Potential

Supervisory Status

Who May Apply

Control Number

Job Announcement Number