Biological Science Laboratory Technician

Summary This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Food and Feed Safety Research Unit in New Orleans, LA. In this position, you will actively participate in one or more phases of the research process related to fungi and host plants; initiate and maintain fungal cultures; perform bioassays to study and evaluate fungal / corn plant interactions; and perform molecular analyses including PCR and gel electrophoresis. Responsibilities Collect, prepare, evaluate, and verify samples from fungi, bacteria, and infected plant materials. Perform a wide range of molecular biology analyses including DNA and RNA sequencing, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis, and extraction of metabolites. Maintain, calibrate, and modify equipment for test and evaluation procedures. Culture microbes and fungi using aseptic techniques. Prepare medium using aseptic technique. Record and maintain bookkeeping of experiments and data and perform limited data / statistical analyses. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. GS-05 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-05 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience assisting in one or more phases of the research process in a laboratory setting; and operating common laboratory equipment. OR Education : Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study above the high school level leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position being filled. Related courses may include Microbiology, Plant Sciences, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources, Biology, or Genetics. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. GS-06 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-06 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience collecting or evaluating biological or agricultural samples; keeping detailed records of experimental data; and performing routine and recurring techniques using a variety of specialized equipment. 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 Microbiology, Plant Sciences, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources, Biology, or Genetics. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. 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 successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience participating in a research project related to fungi; preparing and analyzing biological or agricultural samples in a laboratory setting; and maintaining equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. 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 Microbiology, Plant Sciences, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources, Biology, or Genetics. OR A combination of 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. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) : Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP / RPL / ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP / ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP / ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.