JOB SUMMARY: This position is a Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-11 working in Bozeman, Montana for the R9-Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership. The closing date for this announcement has been extended through Wednesday November 27, 2024 to allow for additional applications. MAJOR DUTIES: The Division of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Conservation (Fisheries Program) develops policies and guidance to conserve and manage aquatic species and their habitats. This program provides assistance to Service Regions and Field Offices to facilitate program implementation; initiates and develops programs, plans, and studies that benefit Federal trust fish and wildlife species; and responds to new legislation, new administration proposals or Departmental initiatives. Additionally, the program works with partners to restore and maintain fish and other aquatic resources at self-sustaining levels and support Federal mitigation programs for the benefit of the American public. The Branch of Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership (AADAP) reports to the Assistant Director - Fisheries and Habitat Conservation through the Chief, Division of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Conservation. AADAP is responsible for coordinating all Service activities concerning approval and use of therapeutic drugs on aquatic species, and for ensuring that the sponsorship responsibilities of the Service relative to Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) exemptions are fulfilled in compliance with current regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All activities of the AADAP Branch are focused on providing public and private aquaculture in the U.S. legal access to drugs and therapeutants needed to meet fisheries management objectives, including ultimately, obtaining New Animal Drug Approvals (NADAs) for these compounds. As a Fish Biologist, the key duties of the position are as follows, but are not limited to: Performs fish cultural duties related to all phases of the AADAP's research program in accordance with FDA-accepted Study Protocols. Sample-counting fish, transferring fish, feeding fish, cleaning tanks, and maintaining established water flows, temperatures, dissolved oxygen levels, performing routine fish health evaluations. Uses dissecting and compound microscopes, balances, water quality tests, and other laboratory equipment. Designs, sets-up, and conducts pivotal studies evaluating the efficacy and/or target animal safety of various drugs and therapeutants. Collects research study data related to all phases of the Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership (AADAP)'s research program and archives all original source data. Conducts statistical analysis of data using commercially available software. Develops FDA-accepted Study Protocols that thoroughly describe all facets of proposed research investigations. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.
