Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Microbiology)

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Ames (IA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The Biological Science Laboratory Technician role at USDA APHIS in Ames, IA involves organizing and performing diagnostic tests, producing reagents, and supporting developmental studies related to economically important animal pathogens.

Qualifications include one year of specialized experience or equivalent education, with emphasis on laboratory practices, safe environments, and attention to detail. The position starts mid-September 2026 and closes in late September 2026.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience (GS-04) or equivalent education.
• Education from an accredited school with minimum coursework in relevant sciences.
• Combination of education and experience may qualify for GS-05.

Responsibilities

• Receive diagnostic specimens and select appropriate test or identification procedure.
• Prepare diagnostic reagents including bacterial culture, histology, and cell culture inoculations.
• Follow standard outlines to perform measurements and observe test results.
• Conduct sections of developmental projects and reference laboratory protocols.
• Prepare written reports describing procedures and results and summarize findings.

Skills

Laboratory safety

Buffers

Sterile workspace

Following instructions

Education

Bachelor’s degree in sciences

Microbiology coursework

Job description

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Job Summary

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.

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.

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.

Major Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.

• Receives diagnostic specimens for pathogen examination, reads history or specific requests of field personnel, selects appropriate test or identification procedure.
• Prepare diagnostic reagents which include bacterial culture, histology preparations, entomology preparation, inoculation of cell cultures, animals, and embryonating chicken eggs.
• Following a standard outline plans working details, makes measurements, and observes results of tests.
• Assumes responsibility for conducting sections of developmental projects.
• Takes references such as laboratory protocols, journal articles, or rough outlines from a professional and conducts virologic, bacteriological, parasitological, pathological or chemical techniques.
• Recognizes problems in assignments and procedures, make pertinent observations, draw conclusions, and make suggestions for improvement.
• Prepares accurate, written reports describing test procedures and results and summarizes findings.

Position Start Date

09/16/2026

Position Close Date

09/22/2026

Salary Offered

40736 - 52957 USD Per Year

You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team! To learn more about what it's like to work at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the APHIS careers site. APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response