Demo

Veterinary Medical Officer (PATHOLOGY)

USDA-FSIS
Athens, GA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/30/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/28/2026
Duties

Summary

This position is located in the Pathology Branch (PB) of the Eastern Laboratory (EL), Laboratory Regulatory Operations (LRO), Office of Public Health Science (OPHS). OPHS develops (i.e., collects, analyzes, and reports) scientific information for meat, poultry, egg products, Siluriformes, and related products and uses that information to assess potential for human health risks at different points throughout the farm-totable continuum.

Requirements

Qualifications

Please reference the specific Office of Personnel Management (OPM) qualifications standards for the 0701 Job Series. Specialized Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess 52 Weeks (1 year) of progressively responsible professional veterinary medical experience in at least 4 out of 6 of the below experiences that are equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the federal service. Your resume must clearly demonstrate how you qualify based on the below experience requirements: Experience independently performing gross prosection of animal tissues for histologic processing. Experience independently interpreting routine histochemical and immunohistochemical stains and generating a descriptive pathology report based on these findings with morphologic diagnoses and supplemental educational comments. Experience in effective oral and written communication with customers, other scientific personnel, or senior management on pathology-related topics. Experience enforcing administrative, regulatory, or agency procedures to ensure compliance with food safety laws, animal health standards, and wholesomeness guidelines for meat, poultry, or egg products. Experience directing, participating in, or planning research studies that track abnormal physiological or toxic conditions in food animals to ensure consumer safety. Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting specialized scientific laboratory equipment utilized in veterinary pathology and diagnostic medicine. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: Veterinary Medical Science Series, 0701. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Are you looking to use your veterinary medical expertise to make a direct impact on public health? The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is seeking a highly skilled Pathologist to join our team. Professional growth within a globally recognized scientific regulatory agency and full federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. This position is uniquely housed within the Office of Public Health Science (OPHS), the scientific backbone that falls directly within FSIS. In this role, you will serve as a critical diagnostic authority within OPHS. You will lead efforts to detect, interpret, and report complex animal health conditions. Your insights will directly safeguard the nation's meat, poultry, and egg product supply. Why This Role Matters and Key Responsibilities Public Health Shield: Prevent zoonotic, exotic, and foodborne diseases from entering the food supply. National Impact: Provide medical determinations that guide field inspectors across the United States. Advanced Diagnostics: Conduct detailed histologic, cytologic, and gross pathology examinations on a wide range of specimens. Scientific Leadership: Design and direct histopathologic studies addressing infectious, toxic, or abnormal animal conditions. Technical Consultations: Deliver webinars and technical advice to government agencies, field veterinarians, and industry groups. For more information on USDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, visit FSIS.

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$62,914 to $80,313
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