Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Microbiology)

US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service seeks a Biological Science Laboratory Technician to organize and manage diagnostic tests, reagent production, and developmental studies related to animal pathogens with significant economic importance to the livestock industry.

The position requires following detailed instructions, maintaining a sterile workspace, and supporting training assignments for staff and students.

Qualifications

• ,One year of specialized experience at GS-04 level demonstrating: basic word-processing and database use
• Maintaining a safe laboratory environment
• Laboratory practices including buffers and sterile workspace
• Following detailed directions to perform repetitive tasks with accountability for results
• Education: 4-year degree with specified science coursework
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience acceptable at GS-05 grade level

Responsibilities

• Organize and manage diagnostic tests
• Reagent production
• Developmental studies related to animal pathogens
• Training assignments related to animal pathogens with economic importance to livestock

Skills

Basic word-processing

Database software

Laboratory safety

Following detailed directions

Education

Bachelor's degree (biology/chemistry/related)

6 semester hours in microbiology/biology/chemistry

Job description

As a Biological Science Laboratory Technician, you will organize and manage a wide variety of standard techniques in performing diagnostic tests, reagent production, developmental studies, and training assignments related to animal pathogens having significant economic importance to the livestock industry.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL:

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Using basic word-processing and database software
• Maintaining a safe laboratory environment for self and colleagues.
• Using laboratory practices including how to make buffers and maintaining a sterile workspace.
• Following specific and detailed directions to perform repetitive tasks with accountability for results.

OR Education: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics or related fields, with at least 6 semester hours in microbiology, biology or chemistry.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

TRANSCRIPTS

are required if:

• You are qualifying for the position based on education.
• You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
• This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-05 GRADE LEVEL:

Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

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.