POSITION DESCRIPTION USDA/APHIS/WS NATIONAL WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER BIOLOGIST (APHIS Science Fellow) GS-11 0401
INTRODUCTION This is a 2-year term position located at the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC), Fort Collins, CO. This position is funded under the APHIS Science Fellowship Program and is under the Wildlife Disease Research Program of the NWRC, which is responsible for research into wildlife disease issues relating to agricultural and human health and safety. The coordination of the employees activities will be the responsibility of a Project Leader. The incumbent will develop spatially explicit risk assessment models for avian influenza near poultry production operations. Specifically, the incumbent will assess the potential role that peridomestic and other wildlife have as reservoirs and hosts; and the role these wildlife species have in carriage, transmission, movement, and environmental contamination. The incumbent will collaborate with, and assist, other scientists under the research project: Wildlife Diseases: Surveillance, Monitoring and Research. The goal of the project is to study the ecology of wildlife diseases; assess the risk of viral and bacterial disease transmission among wildlife, domestic animals, and humans; and develop methods that reduce or eliminate such transmission. MAJOR DUTIES The incumbent will have major involvement with the development of spatially explicit risk assessment models and simulations on avian influenza. Responsibilities will include employing expertise in geographical information systems, spatial statistics, and simulation modeling. The objective is to develop a risk assessment that wildlife pose in transmission and site contamination of avian influenza near poultry and waterfowl production facilities. The incumbent is expected to prepare management simulation models, reports, technical public seminars, and peer- reviewed publications. In addition, the incumbent will perform the following duties: With minimal supervision, perform a variety of technical spatial analyses and interpretations, including, but not restricted to use of higher level spatial statistics, use of geographical information system software, computer coding, and simulation analysis. The approach may be analytical, statistical, or agent-based. With minimal supervision, comply with Biosafety and Biosecurity Procedures, Good Laboratory Practices, Animal Welfare Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and applicable state and federal wildlife laws and regulations. Supervise other personnel (e.g. subordinates, temporaries, volunteers, students, etc.) as necessary, particularly when conducting routine laboratory work. Procure equipment and supplies necessary to conduct research. Operate government-owned or leased vehicles. Prepare brief technical reports describing study progress and contribute to technical publications describing experimental procedures and results. Perform other related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION Professional knowledge of principles and techniques of animal biology, disease ecology, geographical information systems, computer coding, spatial statistics, and simulation modeling as they relate to population health and management; knowledge of the research process and the scientific method as well as of collecting, recording, tabulating, analyzing, and reporting biological data. Ability and knowledge to work safely in office and field environments. Expertise in use of computer platforms, i.e., analytical software and specialized scientific programming. Expertise in the use of computers, and working knowledge of relational database, spreadsheet, graphic, and statistical software and applications. Data interpretation and technical writing skills. Knowledge of regulations and directives associated with Biosecurity and Biosafety Procedures, Standard Operating Procedures, Animal Welfare Act, Good Laboratory Practices, and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and ability to adhere them. Knowledge of proper handling and care of animals. Ability to operate government vehicles. Ability to work and cooperate with federal, state, and private industry cooperators. QUALIFICATIONS: Desired minimum education: PhD (preferred) in wildlife, ecology, biology, animal sciences or similar, or DVM. SALARY: $56,378/yr BENEFITS: health insurance, retirement, paid leave and federal holidays. USDA/NWRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. APPLICATION: To apply, please email cover letter, CV, and 3 references to Dr. Susan Shriner ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Review of applications will begin immediately but applications will be accepted through January 31, 2008.
