Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal)

US-Agricultural-Research-Servic; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS, invites applications for GS-07/08/09 level positions. The incumbent conducts research for vaccine and anti-viral development, supports diagnostic capabilities, and trains staff to protect livestock and U.S.

agriculture from foreign diseases. Qualified candidates will have relevant laboratory experience, education in biology or related fields, and the ability to work in high-containment environments as described for GS-07–GS-09

Qualifications

• Specialized experience includes operating and calibrating diagnostic equipment.
• Experience collecting and processing biological samples and maintaining records.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive research and vaccine/anti-viral development.
• Provide enhanced diagnostic capabilities and training for NBAF operations.
• Lead or assist in biocontainment and related safety protocols.

Skills

Diagnostic equipment operation

Sample collection & processing

Record keeping

Education

Biology or related field

Master's degree related to the position

Graduate education in relevant field

Tools

Lab instrumentation

Job description

This position is located in the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Animal Resource Unit (ARU) in Manhattan, KS. If selected, you will be responsible for conducting comprehensive research, developing vaccines and anti-virals, and providing enhanced diagnostic and training capabilities to protect the nation from foreign or transboundary, emerging and zoonotic diseases that threaten livestock, other animals and food from the nation\'s farms and fields. 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 includes operating and calibrating diagnostic equipment; working with other technicians collecting and processing biological samples, maintaining records of sample collections.

OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master\'s or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include: Biology, Animal Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Entomology, and Virology.

OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described 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 includes operating and calibrating diagnostic equipment; administering topical or oral medications, performing euthanasia activities and training other staff in technical processes.

OR Education: Two full years of graduate level education or a Master\'s degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Biology, Animal Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Entomology, and Virology.

OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described 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 includes operating diagnostic or biocontainment equipment; leading euthanasia activities which includes IV injection of barbiturates and administering sedatives and anesthetics; interpreting data obtained from analysis.

OR Education: Two full years of graduate level education or a Master\'s degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Biology, Animal Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Entomology, and Virology.

OR A combination of graduate level education and 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.

Investigational vaccines are those approved for human testing while they continue gathering additional safety and efficacy data in advance of full approval for commercial release. 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.

Psychological and physical health are monitored as part of a person\'s review. For physical health monitoring, a baseline blood sample will be required for employees entering and working in the biocontainment facility. When enrolled in the serum monitoring program, in addition to physical and psychological examinations, the physical health status of personnel is monitored periodically using biologic and serological tests. Beyond regular monitoring programs, blood draws will be needed to monitor the specific medical surveillance examinations.

Any medical condition which could create an unsafe environment for the individual or his\/her co-workers, 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.

Risk is reduced but cannot be eliminated with special safety precautions. 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. PPE is dependent upon the work performed and the laboratory space in which the work is performed. 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. Approval to use a respirator requires a medical evaluation and fit test.

The incumbent must have the ability to take a full-body shower with soap and shampoo one or more times per day without assistance. The incumbent must not have a skin condition which would prevent daily showering. Jewelry of any kind is not permitted inside containment. Body jewelry in piercings must have the ability to be removed prior to entering biocontainment or the piercing and jewelry must be completely sealed off from the working environment to protect the individual from contamination. No unhealed piercings are permitted inside biocontainment. External medical devices may not be permitted. External medical devices must have the ability to be removed prior to entering biocontainment or be sealed off from the working environment to protect the individual from contamination. Facial hair restriction are required to ensure the proper fit of tight-fitting respirators.