Advancing Veterinary Science: Research Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathology) Opportunity
Are you a dedicated veterinarian with a passion for infectious disease research? The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is currently looking for an expert to serve as a Research Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathology) at the state-of-the-art National Bio & Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas.
Job Responsibilities
As a Research Veterinary Medical Officer, you will:
- Lead research paths for studies involving infectious agents like Hendra and Nipah viruses.
- Serve as the Chief Veterinary Pathologist for the Zoonotic & Emerging Disease Research Unit.
- Collaborate with academic, industry, and government scientists to advance disease detection and therapeutic methods.
- Supervise and evaluate research progress, ensuring high standards of animal welfare and scientific integrity.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a DVM or VMD degree from an AVMA-accredited institution. Foreign-trained applicants must provide ECFVG certification or equivalent proof of license and English language proficiency. You must also demonstrate specialized experience in infectious animal disease research equivalent to at least one grade level below your target GS position.
Grade Level Comparison Table
| Grade Level | Key Qualification Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-12 | 1 year specialized experience or Master's degree in related science. |
| GS-13 | 1 year specialized experience or PhD or Board Certification. |
| GS-14 | 1 year specialized experience at GS-13 level in research leadership. |
| GS-15 | 1 year specialized experience at GS-14 level in interdisciplinary program management. |
Benefits
Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Health and life insurance.
- Generous federal retirement system.
- Flexible work arrangements and telework options.
- Potential for relocation incentives.
Application Tips
- Keep your resume under two pages; this is a strict requirement.
- Clearly document all publications and professional society memberships.
- Ensure your transcripts and DVM credentials are clearly legible.
This role is a unique chance to make a significant impact on national biosecurity and veterinary science. If you possess the leadership skills and research background, apply today to help protect the future of agricultural health.
Why This Research Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathology) Job Matters
Advance the future of animal health and biosecurity by joining the front lines of zoonotic disease research at the premier National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility.
Research Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathology) Job Overview
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking a highly skilled Research Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathology) to join the Zoonotic & Emerging Disease Research Unit (ZEDRU) in Manhattan, Kansas. Located at the cutting-edge National Bio & Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), this role focuses on investigating high-consequence viral threats, specifically Hendra and Nipah viruses. This is a unique opportunity to conduct independent and collaborative research, mentor scientific staff, and serve as a Chief Veterinary Pathologist in a high-containment environment.
Requirements for Research Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathology)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) from an AVMA-accredited institution or equivalent.
- For foreign graduates: Must provide proof of ECFVG certification, or a valid U.S. veterinary license, or equivalency documentation plus English proficiency.
- Must meet specialized experience requirements for the GS-12, GS-13, GS-14, or GS-15 level.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and participate in a random drug testing program.
- Willingness to receive required vaccinations for diseases under study at the facility.
- Must be available to report for duty as scheduled upon selection.
Preferred Qualifications for Research Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathology)
- Board certification by an ABVS-recognized specialty organization.
- Extensive experience in managing interdisciplinary research programs.
- Proven track record of publishing research in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- History of successful grant management and securing research funding.
- Strong background in developing animal models and novel diagnostic techniques.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal employee health and life insurance programs
- ✓Comprehensive federal retirement plan (FERS)
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Telework options (up to four days per week)
- ✓Flexible work arrangements
- ✓Relocation incentives (case-by-case authorization)
- ✓Significant professional development and research funding support
💡 How to Apply Research Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathology) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Research Veterinary Medical Officer (Pathology) Job
- Prepare a resume not exceeding two pages, detailing your education and experience.
- Gather supporting documentation, including DVM transcripts, proof of license, or board certification.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your application package, including all required attachments, through the USAJobs portal.
- Monitor your status through your USAJobs account profile.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions over two pages will be disqualified.
- Provide a one-page abstract of your MS or PhD work to strengthen your technical narrative.
- Clearly list all relevant publications, presentations, and professional honors in your application.
- Verify that your uploaded documents are not encrypted and are under 5MB in size.
- Ensure your contact information for references is current and accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work environment like at the NBAF?
The National Bio & Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) is a high-containment facility. Personnel are required to adhere to strict safety protocols, including mandatory vaccinations for studied pathogens and regular health screening.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
This role is not fully remote, though it is eligible for telework up to four days per week, depending on specific laboratory and project requirements.
How is the final grade level determined?
The grade level is determined by the candidate's qualifications and specialized experience. The position has promotion potential up to the GS-15 level, subject to peer review of the incumbent's scientific impact.
What vaccination requirements are involved?
Due to the nature of the pathogens studied at the NBAF, employees must receive FDA-approved vaccines relevant to the project to ensure both personal safety and facility biosecurity.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance.
Job from Agricultural Research Service
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) serves as the primary in-house scientific research agency for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Their mission is to address critical agricultural challenges through innovative science, ensuring the security of our food supply and the health of our animal populations. Working with ARS means joining a team dedicated to solving complex problems from the field to the table.