Biological Science Laboratory Technician

Agricultural Research Service • Manhattan, KS

12h • Onsite

About The Position

These positions are located in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility located in Manhattan, KS. In these positions, you will support high-containment research on zoonotic and emerging pathogens by conducting laboratory experiments, preparing and analyzing biological samples, applying immunological techniques, and maintaining specialized scientific equipment.

Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable.
• Drug Test Required.
• SAC and full background investigation required for positions working with BSL-3 (or higher) agents, or in BSL-3/BSL-4 facilities.
• Department of Justice (DOJ) Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval is required.
• USDA/DOJ clearances are required for working with select agent programs as well as training that goes along with maintaining proficiency.
• 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 is experience performing technical laboratory procedures; collecting and preparing biological samples; operating and calibrating specialized laboratory equipment; and recording, tabulating, and summarizing experimental data.
• OR Education: One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Zoology, Poultry Science, Animal Science, Cell Biology, Veterinary Science, Animal Biosciences, Animal Health, Biomedical Science or Infectious Disease.
• OR A combination of education and specialized experience as described above.
• 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 is experience independently performing complex laboratory techniques; troubleshooting and modifying specialized equipment; preparing biological and chemical reagents; and compiling, evaluating, and analyzing multisource experimental data.
• OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Zoology, Poultry Science, Animal Science, Cell Biology, Veterinary Science, Animal Biosciences, Animal Health, Biomedical Science or Infectious Disease.
• OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above.
• 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 is experience leading technical phases of research; designing or adapting specialized laboratory methods or equipment; determining testing parameters and resolving unexpected results; and interpreting and documenting scientific findings.
• OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Zoology, Poultry Science, Animal Science, Cell Biology, Veterinary Science, Animal Biosciences, Animal Health, Biomedical Science or Infectious Disease.
• OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized 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.
• 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.
• 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 review.
• For physical health monitoring, a baseline blood sample will be required for employees entering and working in the biocontainment facility.
• Any medical condition which could create an unsafe environment for the individual or his/her coworkers, 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• As a condition of employment, all personnel entering biocontainment facilities at NBAF must not be in contact with specific susceptible animals for a period of five (5) days after leaving biocontainment.
• Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter.
• Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Adapts, modifies, or develops techniques and procedures to satisfy research project needs under established guidelines.
• Operates, maintains, calibrates, and modifies complex or specialized laboratory equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures.
• Performs full range of laboratory techniques using a variety of specialized equipment
• Utilizes computerized data storage and manipulation systems for recording and processing research information.
• Maintains biological materials, including live tissues or cells, according to established protocols.
• Performs routine statistical comparisons of experimental variables.
• Provides technical support during setup of laboratory, field, or greenhouse studies.
• Recognizes data trends indicating possible error and flags them to higher-level staff.
• Identifies equipment irregularities and initiates basic troubleshooting steps.
• Records data in multiple formats (spreadsheets, lab notebooks, electronic files).
• Responds to routine inquiries from scientists regarding data or sample handling.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
• Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree