United Spinal Association Jobs

Summary The candidate serves as a Research Fellow within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The candidate will be highly motivated, innovative and possess a strong quantitative background in spatial processes and genetics of populations and/or diseases. The candidate will also have strong interpersonal skills and be interested in collaborating with wildlife service operations and other agencies within APHIS. Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to: Develop new statistical models for predicting the spatial spread of pest invasions, and identifying predictors of spatial spread, by jointly considering genetic and ecological data. Develop quantitative decision models for optimizing management of pests in space and time. Develop quantitative models for assessing the potential effectiveness and risk of genetic tools such as gene drive for controlling pest populations. Perform risk assessment of spatial invasions of pests, genetic elements, and/or diseases. Determine optimal pest management solutions in spatially structured populations. Develop policies for novel biotechnologies that could be used in pest management. Manage independently or in consultation with supervisor multiple research projects related to wildlife disease and damage management. Work closely with the supervisor to develop the research collaboratively with managers, policy-makers, and/or regulators, and to communicate progress and results broadly within APHIS. May also be expected to prepare internal reports of results for stakeholders. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: In biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the above, applicants must also have: FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Developed statistical, genetic, or simulation models of spatial processes in wildlife populations and wildlife disease transmission. Regular use (in multiple projects) of a programming language (e.g., R, Matlab, Python, C++, or similar) to write scripts or functions that run simulation models or statistical inference routines, develop software packages, and/or develop user-friendly visualizations from complex models. Led research studies from conception through reporting of final products, where the studies involve developing modeling approaches that integrate disparate data types including ecological, disease diagnostic and/or genetic data for use by practitioners such as wildlife managers, regulators, or policy decision-makers. Communicated technical information from complex mathematical models, both orally and in writing to diverse audiences of practitioners in wildlife management, disease management, and/or conservation. Led peer-reviewed articles, including more than one first author articles. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. 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), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP 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/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. This is a term appointment not to exceed 07/31/2026. (Appointment may be extended up to 4 years without reannouncing). For more details click: Term Appointments Worksite Information: 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. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.