Biological Science Technician

Agricultural Research Service • Aberdeen, ID

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Field Organization, Pacific West Area, Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit in Aberdeen, ID. In this position, you will work to improve genetics to enhance tuber quality, greater productivity and sustainability in western U.S. production.

Requirements

• You 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.
• 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 successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is participating in a research project related to agricultural crops or plant pathogens, analyzing research data related to agricultural crops or plant pathogens and conducting experiments involving molecular biological techniques.
• 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 successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is collecting or analyzing plant, fungal or virus samples in a laboratory of field environment; recording and analyzing scientific data related to plants or plant pathogens; and operating specialized laboratory equipment.

Nice To Haves

• 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 genetics, molecular biology, plant pathology, or plant sciences.
• Two full years of graduate level education or a Master's degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include genetics, molecular biology, plant pathology, or plant sciences.
• A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above.

Responsibilities

• Works in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment to plant, harvest or evaluate plants during their life cycle.
• Maintains, calibrates, and modifies complex/specialized equipment and automated systems used for data collection and evaluation procedures (e.g., microscopes, PCR machines, automated sequencers, tissue culture chambers, pH meters, imaging systems).
• Performs molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR/Real-Time PCR, digital droplet PCR, DNA/RNA sequencing, Molecular Markers, and DNA/RNA Extractions.
• Maintains records involving breeding, genetics, and virus research.
• Coordinates with farm personnel, staff sharing laboratory facilities and supervisor.

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.
• Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

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