Biologist - Research

Veterans Health Administration • Dayton, OH

12h • Onsite

About The Position

The Biologist works in the Research and Development Service at the VA Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio, conducting research under an active Merit Review. This is a part-time position of 5 hours per week and a term appointment not to exceed four years. The salary listed is based on full-time employment and will be prorated according to hours worked; benefits and time-off accrual are also prorated. The position is not virtual, and the employee must live within or be willing to relocate within commuting distance of the duty location. The work schedule is irregular and based on service needs.

The position designs, implements, and manages research studies using electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, computational modeling, and translational approaches in animal and human studies. Research areas include motor neuron dysfunction, neural injury, prosthetic control, brain-machine interface performance, and aging-related weakness. The Biologist supports the Principal Investigator and other investigators with research projects, laboratory operations, data management, study coordination, grant applications, research dissemination, and efforts to translate evidence into practice within the VA.

The role also performs laboratory testing and specimen examinations for diagnostic, surveillance, experimental, and reference purposes; develops and executes scientific protocols; and evaluates specimens and results using a range of research techniques. Applicants must meet the biological sciences education requirement or an equivalent education-and-experience combination, and have at least one year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level. A transcript must be submitted with the application.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• A full four-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree with a major in biological sciences or a related appropriate discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least one year of specialized experience assisting in the design, development, implementation, management, and analysis of biological research projects and scientific studies, equivalent to at least the GS-12 federal grade level.
• Specialized experience must include activities such as coordinating research, supporting development and execution of study protocols and methodologies, monitoring research progress, maintaining research data and documentation, and assisting with evaluation and interpretation of scientific findings.
• Applicants must clearly describe the nature of their duties and responsibilities and the number of hours worked per week to receive credit for experience.
• A transcript must be submitted with the application; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with the transcript.
• Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Selected applicants are subject to a background/security investigation and must complete online onboarding and pre-employment identification requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a one-year probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage research studies integrating electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, computational modeling, and translational approaches in animal and human studies.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in executing research projects, including the active Merit Review research study.
• Assist with oversight of research and laboratory operations, data management, and study team coordination.
• Prepare and submit competitive grant applications to obtain funding from federal and non-federal sources.
• Develop and test implementation, information systems, and dissemination tools and strategies intended to improve the quality of veterans’ care.
• Collaborate with and support Research Service and affiliated investigators, including project management, as they examine healthcare delivery data and translate evidence into practice within the VA.
• Prepare and submit research findings, independently and with other scientists, through abstracts for professional meetings and original manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in Research Service meetings, task forces, and committees to encourage research development.
• Perform tests and examination procedures on diagnostic, surveillance, experimental, and reference samples.
• Independently develop, organize, and execute scientific protocols and ensure appropriate testing to determine specimen viability or toxic reactivity to external stimuli after isolation and purification.
• Perform preliminary microscopic evaluations of specimens before and after experimental use to verify procedures and assess result validity and potential causes of invalid results.
• Perform specimen analyses using techniques including Western blot analysis, glucose tolerance testing in live animals, extraction of hormones and proteins from bone and other tissues, hormone analysis via ELISA, RIA, and EIA, animal dissection and tissue preparation, cryostat sectioning, tissue staining and microscopic examination, and bone mechanical strength testing.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Term employees are eligible to earn leave and generally have benefits similar to permanent employees, including health and life insurance, within-grade increases, Federal Employees Retirement System coverage, and Thrift Savings Plan coverage; benefits and leave accrual are prorated for the part-time schedule.
• Eligible applicants may request credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military service, subject to approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Senior