Biological Science Laboratory Technician at Agricultural Research Service Beltsville, MD

Biological Science Laboratory Technician job at Agricultural Research Service. Beltsville, MD.

Summary This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Field Organization, Mycology & Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Lab in Beltsville, MD. In this position, you will actively participate in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment, common to microbiology or molecular biology. Responsibilities Collects, prepares, evaluates and verifies microbiological or molecular biological samples and supporting records. Adapts, modifies or develops new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project. Initiates action to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results, or recommends resolution to supervisor. Researches for literature pertinent to area of research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Performs the full range of techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment. Tabulates, statistically analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages. Maintains, calibrates and modifies complex/specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. Keeps detailed records of experimental data. 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 perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience assisting in one or more phases of a research project related to plants or microbiology; keeping records of research data; and operating and maintaining laboratory equipment. OR Education: 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 scientific or technical 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 molecular biology, nematology, plant sciences, botany, genetics, bioinformatics, or other subjects related to the study of microorganisms. 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 perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience assisting with plant or microbiology research; keeping detailed records of experimental data; and performing routine and recurring techniques using a variety of specialized equipment or systems for plant or microbiology research purposes. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of study leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree. Related courses may include molecular biology, nematology, plant sciences, botany, genetics, bioinformatics, or other subjects related to the study of microorganisms. 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 perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience participating in microbiology research projects including collecting or studying plant microorganisms; using laboratory or field equipment to study microorganism cultures or plant samples; and recording, analyzing, and summarizing scientific data using personal computers and software packages. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of study leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree. Related courses may include molecular biology, nematology, plant sciences, botany, genetics, bioinformatics, or other subjects related to the study of microorganisms. 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 This position does not have an education qualification requirement. 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. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at 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. This position is designated as a bargaining unit position and is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).