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Open: July 23, 2026 — Closes: August 5, 2026
Summary
What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? The Government Wide direct hire authority for GS-0401 Biological Sciences is being used to fill this position. Salary: $89,117.00 Per Year (Step 01) to $138,370.00 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01. Relocation expenses are authorized.
Major Duties
The USGS Office of Science Quality and Integrity is seeking a Biosafety Staff Scientist located in Madison, WI to support the USGS-wide biosafety program with specific duties on-site following biosafety best-practices along with USGS directives and Federal Select Agent requirements. As a biosafety staff scientist, some specific major duties include: Develops and oversees biosafety policies, procedures, training, guidance, and tools to biological research with high-risk pathogens, including select agents. Implements and evaluates scientific and safety-related laboratory practices, including test procedures, specimen management, and high-risk work with select agents, and oversees operations to ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations. Develops and maintains SOPs, training, and other documentation to support safe, efficient, and effective laboratory operations. Serves as the primary liaison between on-site laboratories, USGS leadership, and Select Agent Program personnel to coordinate health and safety activities. Plans and implements a comprehensive health and safety program for applicable facilities, and maintains required records of inspections, incidents, resolutions, and employee training in accordance with USGS policies and regulations. Participates in laboratory facility reviews and risk assessments, laboratory equipment and facility certification, specialized decontaminations, and responses to emergencies involving biological and chemical agents. Conducts site-specific safety training and drills for laboratory and supervisory personnel to improve microbiologic practices, biosafety, and regulatory compliance, including requirements of the Federal Select Agent Program. Maintains ongoing communication with external emergency responders (fire, police, and medical teams) to support coordinated response in the event of an emergency. Professional accreditation as a Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP) or Registered Biosafety through ABSA International is desirable but can be achieved after onboarding and training is complete. Successful candidates for this position must be willing to learn new subject matters, work independently to ensure the safety and well-being of USGS staff and animal subjects, be able to quickly shift work priorities to accomplish emerging needs, use questioning and influence to guide discussions, be adept at multiple levels of effective communication (i.e., written, verbal, presentation, training), be willing to take on any task no matter how big or small, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, value collaboration, and be adept at using influence to reach consensus.
