Advance Your Career: Research Microbiologist and Veterinary Medical Officer Openings at the NBAF

Are you a dedicated scientist looking to make a significant impact on global agricultural health? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently hiring for a Research Microbiologist/Research Veterinary Medical Officer within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. This is a premier opportunity to join a team focused on mitigating the risks of zoonotic and emerging diseases.

Job Responsibilities

As a research scientist, you will play a critical role in the Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research Unit. Key responsibilities include:

Developing and executing independent and collaborative research programs focused on host-pathogen relationships.
Overseeing and conducting research within high-containment laboratories (BSL-2 through BSL-4).
Analyzing the effects of zoonotic pathogens on livestock and their immune responses.
Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting at major conferences.

Requirements

This position is open to qualified professionals who meet the following criteria:

Education: Completion of a Ph.D. (Microbiology) or DVM (Veterinary Medicine) from an accredited institution.
Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Documentation: Submission of transcripts, resume (limited to two pages), and proof of eligibility.

Salary and Grade Comparison

Grade Level	Focus	Experience Level
GS-12	Foundational Research	Mid-Level
GS-13	Molecular Virology	Advanced
GS-14	Research Leadership	Expert
GS-15	Collaborative Program Lead	Principal Investigator

Note: Salary ranges from $89,508 to $192,331 depending on the final grade level and qualifications.

Benefits

Access to federal health and retirement benefits.
Student Loan Repayment assistance.
Generous flexible scheduling and telework options.
Potential for recruitment or relocation bonuses.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances, ensure your resume is concise—under two pages—and clearly highlights your publication record and research impact. Always double-check your uploaded documents to ensure they are readable and meet the 5MB file limit.

This role offers a unique intersection of high-level veterinary science and advanced microbiology. If you are ready to lead research that protects the nation's future, apply today through the USAJOBS portal.

Why This Research Microbiologist/Research Veterinary Medical Officer Job Matters

Join the forefront of agricultural security as a Research Microbiologist or Veterinary Medical Officer at the state-of-the-art National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility.

Research Microbiologist/Research Veterinary Medical Officer Job Overview

The USDA Agricultural Research Service is seeking a highly skilled scientist to join the Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research Unit in Manhattan, Kansas. This pivotal role involves conducting advanced research on zoonotic arthropod-borne viruses to protect the nation's agricultural stability. As part of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), you will lead collaborative research projects, contribute to high-level scientific publications, and work within sophisticated biocontainment environments. This position offers long-term growth potential, with grades ranging from GS-12 to GS-15 based on your research accomplishments and expertise.

Requirements for Research Microbiologist/Research Veterinary Medical Officer

U.S. Citizenship.
Must meet specialized experience requirements equivalent to at least one year at the previous grade level.
For 0403 Series: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or a combination of specialized education and experience.
For 0701 Series: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited institution.
Must pass a pre-employment background investigation and periodic reinvestigations.
Must be available for duty at the time of selection.
Submission of all required documentation, including transcripts, via the online portal by the closing date.

Preferred Qualifications for Research Microbiologist/Research Veterinary Medical Officer

Experience in independent molecular virology research regarding zoonotic arthropod-borne viruses.
Demonstrated track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Experience in planning and leading collaborative research programs involving multiple agricultural animal species.
Board certification in an American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) recognized organization.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex research findings at domestic and international scientific meetings.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary with promotion potential to GS-15.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
✓Student Loan Repayment Program eligibility.
✓Flexible work arrangements and telework opportunities up to four days per week.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and paid leave.

💡 How to Apply Research Microbiologist/Research Veterinary Medical Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Research Microbiologist/Research Veterinary Medical Officer Job

Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your experience and education.
Gather your academic transcripts, which are required for verification.
Log into the USAJOBS portal to complete the assessment questionnaire.
Attach all required documentation, ensuring files are under 5MB and in supported formats.
Submit your application package electronically before the deadline on September 10, 2026.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be excluded.
Highlight specific research accomplishments and peer-reviewed publications that demonstrate your expertise.
If claiming veteran preference, ensure your DD214 and supporting documents are attached.
Preview the assessment questionnaire early to understand the competencies being evaluated.
Verify that your uploaded documents have successfully transferred into the agency's specific staffing system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the promotion potential for this position?

This position offers open-ended promotion potential up to the GS-15 level, which is determined by your demonstrated ability to perform high-impact research and peer review.

Is telework available?

Yes, this position may be eligible for telework up to four days per week, depending on specific duties and agency policies.

What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?

Per the announcement instructions, resumes exceeding the two-page limit will result in your removal from consideration.

Job from Agricultural Research Service

The Agricultural Research Service is the internal research arm of the USDA. Our mission is to provide innovative solutions to the agricultural challenges facing the nation. By joining the team at the NBAF, you will be working at a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to protecting the U.S. food supply and livestock health against high-consequence diseases.