Duties

As a Biologist, you will:

• Perform non-research biological science work or biological science support work in various scientific and public health areas associated with numerous biological agents.
• Perform recurring, well-precedented standard techniques to identify and characterize biological and/or other agents that cause a number of diseases.
• Prepare routine reports on scientific investigations, studies and projects.
• Acquire and organize material and information to carry out study procedures for assigned projects.
• Calibrate and operate laboratory instruments that are necessary to perform specialized tests, analyses and other standard procedures in conducting experiments and studies.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Due to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) process enhancement to use Shared Certificates throughout the Agency, some of the requirements below may differ:

• US Citizenship required.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service ( http://www.sss.gov ).
• May be subject to a Background/Security Investigation. Security clearance level may differ from the position announced when certificates are shared.
• CDC participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). If selected, CDC will determine your employment eligibility using your social security number.
• Direct deposit is required.
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• This position may be subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• This position may be subject to the OGE Financial Disclosure requirements of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-521). CDC inspires public confidence in its trust responsibilities and mission by maintaining high ethical principles. If selected, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency. If identified, this will be an annual requirement.
• In accordance with Executive Order 12564 of September 15, 1986, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is A Drug-Free Federal Workplace. This position may require a Drug Test and be subject to Random Drug Testing. The position may require the submission of a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and be subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing upon hiring. If required to submit to urinalysis, the appointment to the position will be contingent upon a negative test result.

Qualifications

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Basic Qualifications:

Education: Have a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

Combination of education and experience: Have a combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

**Minimum Qualifications
GS-09:**To qualify at the GS-09 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level, which must include the following experience: identifying and characterizing biological agents; calibrating and operating laboratory instruments; and conducting and monitoring specialized biological tests.

OR

Education: Have completed 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree that is directly related to the duties of the position.

OR

Combination of education and experience: Have a combination of specialized experience and graduate level education that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

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.

Promotion potential: Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your meeting qualifications and time-in-grade requirements, demonstrated ability to perform the higher-level duties, the continuing need for the higher-level duties, and administrative approval. Promotion to the next grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.

Education

A copy of your transcripts or equivalent documentation is required for positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For more information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ .

Additional information

Telework: This position has been designated as telework eligible and:

• May include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These options may be requested once you have become an employee and you will be required to sign a Workplace Flexibilities Agreement that details remote or telework working conditions and expectations in accordance with the [HHS Workplace Flexibilities Policy](HHS Workplace Flexibilities Policy)
• This position is eligible for inclusion in the Bargaining Unit.
• For more information visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/job-announcement/telework/

The Federal government, as the largest employer in the Nation, can and should show the way towards achieving drug-free workplaces through programs designed to offer drug users a helping hand, and at the same time demonstrating to drug users and potential drug users that drugs will not be tolerated in the Federal workplace if declared a drug-testing position. The use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, by Federal employees is inconsistent not only with the law-abiding behavior expected of all citizens, but also with the special trust placed in such employees as servants of the public.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service. Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.

Incentives:

• Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.
• Annual Leave for non-federal service may be authorized.
• [Student loan repayment incentive[(https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/student-loan-repayment/) may be authorized.
• Travel, transportation, and moving expenses may be paid.
• PCS Expenses may be authorized, subject to the terms of the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR).

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 window Learn 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.

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

The utilization of shared certificates for additional selections within the same geographical area can be made from multiple Centers of the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as a(n) CTAP/ICTAP eligible see http://opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp#ictap . To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85.0 or above on the rating criteria for this position.

The category assignment is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Qualified candidates will be ranked into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified or Qualified. The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher).

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

• Biological Science
• Customer Service
• Laboratory/Field/Modeling/Surveillance Practices
• Networking and Partnership Development (1)

Once the application process is complete, a review of the resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Category rating procedures will be used to rate and rank candidates.

Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you MUST submit a complete Application Package which includes the following. Note: All documents must be in English.

1. Resume - Must reflect name, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (month/year) of employment and duties performed.

Current/former Federal employee:

• Must reflect pay plan, series and grade, i.e., GS-0301-9. Dos and Dont's:

www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/

www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-leave-out/

Cover Letter is optional.

2. Transcripts (if applicable): You may submit an unofficial transcript. An official transcript from an accredited educational institution is required if you are selected.

3. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)

• Supporting documentation i.e., Reduction in Force (RIF) notice or Certificate of Expected Separation (CES), AND most recent:

  • Annual performance appraisal
  • SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) 4. Standard Form 50 (SF-50):

• Official SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) or DA Form3434 which reflect the following:

  • Current grade and service status (SF-50 block 34 "position occupied" reflects "1" and block 24 "tenure" reflects "1" or "2".)
  • Highest grade held on a permanent basis
  • If you currently hold or previously held a General Schedule (GS) or equivalent position within the last 12 months and are applying for a position advertised at a higher grade level, you MUST submit an official SF-50 or DA Form3434 that shows you have held the next lower GS grade level or equivalent for at least one year:
    • SF-50s that have an effective date within the past year may not clearly show you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement
    • Within-Grade/Rate-Increase (WGI/WRI) SF-50s OR SF-50s that have an effective date outside the past year demonstrate you meet the time-in-grade requirements
  • Note: You may need to submit multiple SF-50s to support your eligibility unless all the above requirements are met on one SF-50. If your SF-50(s) does not provide the information needed, you may be found ineligible for the position. 5. Performance Appraisal (Current Federal Employees): Most recent performance appraisal (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record signed by a supervisor or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. You may also list any incentive awards received within the last 3 years on the resume or separate document.

6. USPHS Commissioned Corps:

• Active-Duty PHS officer:
  • Latest duty station/assignment Personnel Order (PHS-7063). Please remove your SSN where listed.
• Call-To-Active Duty (CAD) Candidate:
  • Professional & Medical Boarding notifications stating recommended for appointment and physically/medical qualified.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

For additional requirements review https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12644070

For Résumé and Application Tips visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Tips.

How to Apply

• PHS Officers:

  • This is a Delegated Examining (DE) announcement. Current, active duty PHS officers applying to this announcement are expected to decommission from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps if selected.
  • Current, active duty PHS officers interested in performing the duties of this position while remaining active duty (not as a civilian) are encouraged to apply under the Merit Promotion announcement (MP) (if applicable).

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date, 12/26/2024, of this announcement to receive consideration.

• To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Please ensure that a personal email address is linked to your USAJOBS/login.gov account.
• Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
• You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account ( https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login ), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. 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:

• Applicants external to CDC - Contact the CDC Helpdesk by email at HRCS@CDC.GOV .
• Applicants internal to CDC - Contact the Human Resources - Employee Center (cdc.gov).

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online. Applying online, through your USAJOBS account, will expedite the application process and allow you to check your application. If you utilize the Alternate Application method, your USAJOBS account will not display this application or status updates related to this application.

To view the questionnaire, click on the following link:
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12647391

Agency contact information

CDC HELPDESK

Phone (770) 488-1725 Email HRCS@CDC.GOV

Address NCEZID-DHPP -CHRONIC VIRAL DISEASES BRANCH
1600 Clifton Road NE.
Atlanta, GA 30333
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will receive notice via email once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).

If selected, you will be contacted with a job offer. Please ensure that your USAJOBS profile is setup with a personal email address prior to acceptance.

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

CDC is the nation’s leading science-based, data-driven, service organization that protects the public’s health. For more than 70 years, we’ve put science into action to help children stay healthy so they can grow and learn; to help families, businesses, and communities fight disease and stay strong; and to protect the public’s health.

Mission: CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.

CDC increases the health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish our mission, CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats and responds when these arise.