Biological Science Technician
What you'd do
This position is located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area (PA), Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit (ABADRU) at the Center for Grain and Animal Health Research in Manhattan, KS. As a biological science technician, you will perform laboratory techniques to support research on arthropod-borne viruses of livestock and their insect vectors in order to develop innovative and biologically-relevant solutions for arthropod-borne disease problems.
Major duties
Participates in the generation and processing of laboratory samples using standard operating protocols, including quantification of infectious virus, RNA/DNA, and/or protein. Works safely in BSL2 and arthropod BSL2 laboratory settings with BSL2 pathogens, live insects, cell cultures, and embryonated chicken eggs. Independently develops, designs, and implements various aspects of research projects on the basis of overall objectives outlined by the supervisor. Prepares accurate, written reports describing test procedures and results; summarizes findings for manuscripts, reports, and presentations. Develops various procedures, devises new or improved methods or designs specialized equipment. Prepares laboratory reagents and supplies for virology, entomology, molecular biology, and tissue culture procedures. Assists in the maintenance and management of laboratory spaces. Maintains complete and accurate records.
What you need to qualify
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: 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 participating in a research project in a laboratory setting; collecting, preparing, and evaluating samples; and operating and maintaining laboratory equipment used for laboratory studies. OR Education: Successful completion of at least one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a masters' or equivalent graduate degree, related degrees may include Biology, Animal Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Entomology, and Virology. OR An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education directly related to the work of the position as stated above. GS-08 Specialized Experience: 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 participating in a research project related to infectious pathogens, animals, livestock or insects; collecting, preparing, and evaluating samples related to infectious pathogens, animals, livestock or insects; and operating and maintaining research equipment used to analyze DNA or RNA or cell cultures. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a masters' or equivalent graduate degree, related degrees may include Biology, Animal Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Entomology, and Virology. OR An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education directly related to the work of the position as stated above. GS-09 Specialized Experience: 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 calibrating complex equipment for infectious pathogens, animals, livestock or insects related research projects; summarizing research data for reports; and selecting the appropriate methods or procedures for carrying out research projects involving animal tissue cultures. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a masters' or equivalent graduate degree, related degrees may include Biology, Animal Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Entomology, and Virology. OR An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education directly related to the work of the position as stated 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.
Before you apply
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