This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, Molecular Characterization of Foodborne Pathogens Unit in Wyndmoor, PA. In this position you will be participating in a biological research project related to food pathogens; tabulating, statistically analyzing, or summarizing data; correcting technical errors related to laboratory equipment; and performing microbial or molecular biochemistry techniques.

Duties

Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies biological samples and supporting records. Maintains inventory of chemicals, stock solutions, etc., prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratories, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological). Actively participates in one or more phases of the food safety research by performing a variety of biological technical duties, in a laboratory environment. Liaison with supervisor to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results or recommends resolution to supervisor. Adapts, modifies, or develops new techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of the research project. Keeps detailed records of experimental data. As directed, searches for literature pertinent to area of research for new procedures or techniques to use in the laboratory or field. 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 and molecular techniques. Maintains, calibrates and modifies complex/specialized equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. Performs sterile technique such as growing and maintaining microbial cultures.

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.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• 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. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov

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-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 participating in a biological research project related to microbiology; tabulating, statistically analyzing, or summarizing data; correcting technical errors related to laboratory equipment; and performing microbial or molecular biochemistry techniques. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees include Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or Biochemistry. 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.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Kendra Bledsoe
• Phone: 7032599425
• Email: [email protected]