Biological Science Laboratory Technician

U.S. Department of Agriculture; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, KS, conducts high-containment research on zoonotic and emerging pathogens. The role involves performing laboratory experiments, preparing and analyzing biological samples, and maintaining specialized equipment in support of critical defense research.

Duties include adapting procedures, operating complex lab systems, recording data, and ensuring strict safety and quality

Responsibilities

• 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.

Job description

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.

Major 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 equipmentUtilizes 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.

Requirements

You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable. During this time your employment will be evaluated, and we may consider: your performance and conduct, the needs and interests of the agency, whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government, and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Drug Test Required. Special Physical Requirements/Demands. SAC and full background investigation required for positions working with BSL-3 (or higher) agents, or in BSL-3/BSL-4 facilities. Department of Justice (DOJ) Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval is required. USDA/DOJ clearances are required for working with select agent programs as well as training that goes along with maintaining proficiency. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a work day) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working with contagious diseases or irritant chemicals or working outdoors. The employee is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves.

Evaluations

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures and USDA policy. This means you will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses to the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Self-Management
• Teamwork

The USA Hire Assessments includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.