Biological Science Laboratory Technician

Summary

These positions are located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility located in Manhattan, KS. In these positions, you will support high-containment research on zoonotic and emerging pathogens by conducting laboratory experiments, preparing and analyzing biological samples, applying immunological techniques, and maintaining specialized scientific equipment.

Duties

• •Adapts, modifies, or develops techniques and procedures to satisfy research project needs under established guidelines.
• •Operates, maintains, calibrates, and modifies complex or specialized laboratory equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures.
• •Performs full range of laboratory techniques using a variety of specialized equipment
• •Utilizes computerized data storage and manipulation systems for recording and processing research information.
• •Maintains biological materials, including live tissues or cells, according to established protocols.
• •Performs routine statistical comparisons of experimental variables.
• •Provides technical support during setup of laboratory, field, or greenhouse studies.
• •Recognizes data trends indicating possible error and flags them to higher-level staff.
• •Identifies equipment irregularities and initiates basic troubleshooting steps.
• •Records data in multiple formats (spreadsheets, lab notebooks, electronic files).
• •Responds to routine inquiries from scientists regarding data or sample handling.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. GS-07 Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience performing technical laboratory procedures; collecting and preparing biological samples; operating and calibrating specialized laboratory equipment; and recording, tabulating, and summarizing experimental data. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Zoology, Poultry Science, Animal Science, Cell Biology, Veterinary Science, Animal Biosciences, Animal Health, Biomedical Science or Infectious Disease. OR A combination of education and specialized experience as described above. GS-08 Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-08 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience independently performing complex laboratory techniques; troubleshooting and modifying specialized equipment; preparing biological and chemical reagents; and compiling, evaluating, and analyzing multisource experimental data. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Zoology, Poultry Science, Animal Science, Cell Biology, Veterinary Science, Animal Biosciences, Animal Health, Biomedical Science or Infectious Disease. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. GS-09 Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-08 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience leading technical phases of research; designing or adapting specialized laboratory methods or equipment; determining testing parameters and resolving unexpected results; and interpreting and documenting scientific findings. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Zoology, Poultry Science, Animal Science, Cell Biology, Veterinary Science, Animal Biosciences, Animal Health, Biomedical Science or Infectious Disease. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. 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. Containment Work Requirements Working in a high containment laboratory poses some degree of risk to human health. For the health and safety of the incumbent and to prevent the spread of diseases, immunization against diseases being studied at NBAF which are transmissible to humans is required where the vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended 21 USC 321-392. While immunization with FDA investigational vaccines is strongly encouraged, the incumbent will be advised that such immunization is voluntary. Individuals who are already vaccinated or do not wish to receive the investigational vaccines will be asked to sign a declination form, assuming the risk of working with the viruses without vaccination. Ongoing Health Status Monitoring Psychological and physical health are monitored as part of a person review. For physical health monitoring, a baseline blood sample will be required for employees entering and working in the biocontainment facility. Any medical condition which could create an unsafe environment for the individual or his/her coworkers, such as: Insufficient control of a medical disorder which could result in sudden loss of consciousness; and inadequate vision and hearing required for safety in a laboratory environment must be considered before a job offer and may be disqualifying. Personal Protective Equipment Use of Safety protocols and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as respirators, disposable personal protective clothing, and eye protection, are used as needed. The incumbent is required to wear tight-fitting respirator when working in biological control areas; facial hair restrictions are to comply with proper operation of personal protective equipment. A