Become a Research Microbiologist with the CDC
Are you a seasoned scientist looking to influence the future of public health? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently seeking a highly skilled Research Microbiologist to join our team in Atlanta, Georgia. This role is central to our mission of identifying, analyzing, and controlling infectious disease threats.
Job Responsibilities
As a Research Microbiologist, you will serve as a technical expert responsible for:
- Clinical Service Leadership: Overseeing growth-based drug susceptibility testing and rapid detection protocols.
- Quality Assurance: Maintaining strict adherence to CLIA regulations and branch-specific SOPs.
- Method Development: Designing, validating, and implementing new laboratory assays to stay ahead of evolving pathogens.
- Data Oversight: Analyzing complex laboratory data to ensure high-performance standards are met.
- Supervisory Guidance: Providing mentorship and leadership to the laboratory team (approximately 20% of the role).
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for this GS-14 position:
- Education: A degree in microbiology or a related biological science with specific credit requirements in microbiology, physical sciences, and mathematics.
- Specialized Experience: You must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 level. This includes proven ability to manage laboratory testing, ensure compliance, and validate clinical assays.
- Technical Assessment: Completion of the USA Hire technical assessment is mandatory.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $133,007 - $172,915 per year |
| Location | Atlanta, GA |
| Grade | GS-14 |
| Agency | CDC |
Working for the federal government offers a robust benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and work-life balance initiatives.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer and contains detailed dates (MM/YY).
- Highlight Skills: Clearly illustrate your experience with CLIA regulations and pathogen detection.
- Use the Builder: Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all necessary federal formatting is included.
The CDC offers a unique environment for scientists to perform high-stakes work that saves lives. If you have the professional experience and technical drive to excel as a Research Microbiologist, we invite you to submit your application today.
Why This Research Microbiologist Job Matters
Advance your scientific career with the CDC: Lead critical research to combat infectious diseases and protect public health on a global scale.
Research Microbiologist Job Overview
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking a dedicated Research Microbiologist to join the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. In this pivotal role, you will lead clinical services focused on the rapid detection of drug-resistant infectious pathogens, ensuring laboratory excellence through rigorous quality management and innovative assay development.
Requirements for Research Microbiologist
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or related basic medical science (meeting specific semester hour requirements).
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
- Experience providing oversight for molecular and growth-based laboratory testing of bacterial pathogens.
- Proven history of ensuring compliance with CLIA and other regulatory safety standards.
- Experience in developing, validating, and managing laboratory methods and SOPs.
- Completion of a technical assessment through the USA Hire system.
Preferred Qualifications for Research Microbiologist
- Certification by the American Board of Medical Microbiology or American Board of Medical Laboratory Immunology.
- Fellowship in the American Academy of Microbiology.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor staff and manage quality assurance data for laboratory teams.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance packages
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including a 401(k)-style TSP
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous annual/sick leave accrual
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment programs
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and training
- ✓Participation in public health emergency response initiatives
💡 How to Apply Research Microbiologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Research Microbiologist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile and resume (must not exceed two pages).
- Review the full vacancy announcement for specific documentation requirements.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire online.
- Submit your application and all required supporting documents before the closing date.
- Complete the required USA Hire technical assessment after receiving your unique link.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must explicitly state start and end dates (MM/YY) and hours worked per week for every position.
- Do not copy and paste the job duties from this announcement into your resume; provide your own original descriptions.
- Ensure your resume specifically highlights how your background meets the GS-13 specialized experience requirements.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50s, etc.) are uploaded correctly.
- Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire technical assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary range for this position?
The salary for this position is $133,007 to $172,915 per year.
Is travel required?
Yes, this position involves travel as determined by the agency's operational needs.
Can I apply if I have a foreign degree?
Yes, but you must provide an evaluation from an accredited organization that verifies your foreign education is equivalent to U.S. standards.
What if I have a disability that prevents me from taking the assessment?
*A: You may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process through the USA Hire system.*
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: While incentives may be available, they are contingent upon fund availability and are not guaranteed.*
Job from Centers For Disease Control And Prevention
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the CDC serve as the front line for the nation's health. Our work touches the lives of every American by protecting against emerging diseases, managing complex public health programs, and responding to humanitarian emergencies. When you join the CDC, you are not just taking a job; you are becoming part of a global effort to make the world safer and healthier.