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  1. Career Descriptions

Biologist Positions at FDA

View all current FDA job openings at USAJOBS

Description of Position

FDA biologists perform duties that include:

  • reviewing and evaluating scientific and clinical data to determine the safety and effectiveness of medical products.
  • screening out medical products that may pose a public health hazard.
  • conducting research on the preparation, preservation, and safety of blood and blood products.
  • studying the biological effects of various agents commonly found in foods, such as additives or contaminants.

Grade (Salary) Levels

The federal General Schedule (GS) grade levels at which biologist positions are most commonly filled are:

  • GS-9 through 13 at the headquarters level.
  • GS-5 through 11 at the field level.

(Note: Higher-grade levels in both headquarters and field offices are available based on peer review of individual accomplishments or supervisory responsibilities.)

For a list of GS-grade salaries, see the Office of Personnel Management website.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications required for all grades in this position include:

  • a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position,
  • a combination of education and experience (courses equivalent to a major as described above, plus appropriate experience or additional education).

To qualify for higher-graded positions, candidates must have additional amounts of either specialized experience or directly related education. The amount of additional experience or education needed depends on the grade of the position.

Geographic Locations

FDA biologists are located in headquarters (suburban Washington, D.C.) and in FDA facilities throughout the country.

 
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