Biological Science Lab Tech (A

Veterans Health Administration • Kansas City, MO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Biological Science Lab Tech works within the Department of Veterans Affairs Research Program at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, providing technical support for research projects and supporting clinical research studies. The role includes managing clinical tests, collecting data, and recruiting and managing study participants in a comprehensive research setting.

The position maintains laboratory facilities, equipment, supplies, inventories, and records; supports safe laboratory operations and compliance with safety and accreditation requirements; and prepares and manages biological specimens. It also performs advanced laboratory procedures and assays and may involve work with laboratory animals. The position is onsite and follows a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Requirements

• For GS-5 qualification through specialized experience, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4, including experience meeting at least three of the five examples stated in the announcement.
• Alternatively, have a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree, with courses related to the occupation, or one year equivalent to at least GS-4.
• Alternatively, combine qualifying education and experience; the combined percentages must total at least 100 percent of the GS-5 requirement.
• Current federal employees and certain former federal employees must meet the GS-4 time-in-grade requirement of 52 weeks, where applicable.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Complete the required application steps and online assessment.
• Handle live animals and perform laboratory work.

Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory facilities, equipment, and supplies to support safe and efficient operations.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety and accreditation requirements.
• Maintain inventories, order materials, and schedule equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Monitor equipment and laboratory conditions, report discrepancies, and promote safe work practices.
• Recruit, screen, and evaluate candidates for clinical research studies by telephone or in person.
• Use objective rating techniques to identify potential study candidates when project design is complex.
• Conduct informed consent throughout the study and educate participants on study processes and procedures.
• Conduct and oversee participant interviews and follow-up activities.
• Coordinate participant randomization to treatment and work with the Research Pharmacy on study drug provision.
• Prepare biological specimens using standard aseptic procedures and established safety protocols to prevent contamination and ensure specimen integrity.
• Handle contaminated, potentially hazardous, and biological specimens according to applicable safety, accreditation, and laboratory requirements.
• Perform advanced laboratory procedures and assays, including Western blotting, fluorescent imaging, immunochemistry, tissue and cell culture, ELISA, and DNA/RNA isolation and analysis.
• Monitor inventories of research specimens, reagents, and laboratory animals.
• Perform specialized feeding and breeding procedures and document related research and activities.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position eligibility and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level