Molecular Scientist

Summary About the Position: This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. This position is located in Bethesda, Maryland. Work schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (work hours are non-negotiable), with occasional schedule flexibility to support urgent operational needs. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation Duties Leading and supporting routine high-complexity molecular diagnostic testing—primarily next-generation sequencing (NGS) and/or PCR—to ensure accurate, timely, and reliable results. Designing, validating, and optimizing new molecular assays in compliance with CLIA, CAP, and institutional standards. Clinical service: Routinely perform one category of molecular testing, PCR or NGS assay. Maintaining and improving quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) programs, and supporting the Medical Director in ensuring regulatory compliance and inspection readiness. Supervising laboratory staff, managing performance (including addressing under-performance), and ensuring appropriate on-boarding, training, and mentorship. Investigating test failures or instrumentation issues, leading root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions to maintain laboratory efficiency and reliability. Working closely with physician pathologists, IT, and quality teams to implement laboratory initiatives and technical improvements that support clinical and research missions. Supporting research and development efforts, contributing to publications or presentations, and providing subject matter expertise in molecular diagnostics. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required. This position has been designated Mission Essential. In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations, the incumbent is required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled to support mission operations. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Requirement for Molecular Scientist: Degree: Bachelor's or graduate (or higher level) degree with major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes independently conducting molecular diagnostic procedures such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next generation sequencing (NGS), or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH); contributing to assay validation, quality control and quality assurance; drafting or revising procedures and protocols; providing training and mentorship to laboratory staff or technologists; and contributing to research projects, method development, or publications. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-13). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. ASCP Certification Preferred: Certification by a nationally recognized board such as MB (ASCP) - Molecular Biology or MLS( ASCP) - Medical Laboratory Scientist. Doctoral Degree Preferred: MD/DO or PhD in a relevant field (e.g., pathology, molecular genetics, molecular biology, genomics). NGS Experience Preferred: Demonstrated hands-on experience with clinical NGS assay development/validation, troubleshooting, quality metrics review, and interpretation/reporting workflows in a regulated laboratory environment. Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. One year trial/probationary period may be required. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. Recruitment incentive MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.