Research Biologist

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), with one vacancy in Milford, CT.

As a Research Biologist, you will perform the following duties: Develop, initiate, and direct, long-term research initiatives aimed at optimizing the health, physiological resilience, and sustainable cultivation of marine bivalve mollusks in the context of changing environments and emerging ecological pressures. Apply an authoritative One Health framework to synthesize complex interdisciplinary data across bioenergetics, immunology, pathology, and health management to address high-priority challenges in marine aquaculture and ecosystems. Utilize statistical and mechanistic models to extend findings to decision-making tools for use by constituents. Serve as the principal investigator (PI) for multi-year, complex research efforts. Oversee all phases of project lifecycles including original proposal development, multi-institution team building, grant/budget management, experimental execution, data synthesis, and strategic dissemination of findings. Serve as a technical expert and provide authoritative recommendations and judgments on complex scientific issues to agency leadership, internal and external stakeholders. Establish and maintain high-level strategic partnerships across government agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and commercial aquaculture sectors to align research priorities with regional and national goals. Author peer-reviewed scientific publications, technical reports, and comprehensive guidance briefings. Present findings at major scientific conferences and national forums. Provide peer review and editorial expertise for scientific journals, serve on scientific advisory panels, and lead professional committee initiatives. Oversee and integrate multi-disciplinary research projects, setting strategic priorities, managing resource allocations, and directing project schedules to ensure technical excellence and strategic alignment. NOTE: These duties are described at the Full Performance Level of the ZP-4, the ZP-3 is developmental leading to such performance. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: This position has physical requirements. May perform strenuous manual duties such as lifting heaving sampling equipment. Must be able to lift and carry 20-25lbs. unassisted. This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license and the operation of a Federal motor vehicle to interact with hatcheries, attend meetings, and access field sites. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The incumbent may perform duties at sea during inclement but not hazardous weather conditions. Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.

This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band. The ZP-3 is equivalent to the GS-11/12. The ZP-3 is equivalent to the GS-13/14. Key Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation. More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Additional Information. Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov) Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Additional Considerations: A three year probationary period may be required. Payment of relocation expenses (PCS) is not authorized. Payment of relocation incentives OR recruitment incentives may be authorized. Note: Relocation incentives are for current federal employees only. Background investigation will be required. Continued employment is subject to applicant's successful completion of security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. Any selections made under this notice will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Therefore, Current Federal employees would be given new appointments to the civil service and may have to serve a new probationary period under CFR 315.802 (b). NOTE: A probationary period will be required under the Direct Hire Authority unless you are a current Department of Commerce (including NOAA) employee; and are in the same line of work; have previously completed a probationary period; and with no more than a 30 day break in service. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, for those required to serve a probationary period, we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: Your performance and conduct; Needs and interests of the agency; Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.