This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Plains Area (PA), Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center located in Grand Forks, ND. In this position, you will serve as a medical technician on a multi-disciplinary team, supporting human research studies by making physical assessments, metabolic and behavioral measures, and performing various complex laboratory tests in phlebotomy, biochemistry, and microbiology through selected phases of the study.

Duties

Operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Reviews scientific literature to keep abreast of research and developments and makes recommendations of new analytical techniques as alternatives to establish procedures. Writes procedures for new testing, describing the purpose, procedural steps, methods of quality control, sources of possible error, and corrective actions to be taken when a variance exists. Independently conducts physical assessments, metabolic and behavioral measures, and performs various complex and new laboratory tests to investigate physiological and metabolic responses to diet and exercise. Determines if specimens collected are valid for testing. Communicates planning and executing components with the research scientist and support staff through most all phases of the research study. Compiles laboratory data and prepares current records and reports on such matters as workload, quality, and quantity of output and problems in meeting schedules for use by management, quality assurance, and other purposes.

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/
• Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver's License Required
• Safety/Radiological Safety Collateral Duties
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification

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 experience collecting, processing or handling biological samples; calibrating or operating laboratory instrumentation or equipment; and monitoring and ensuring the accuracy and validity of test results. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described above. GS-09: 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-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 maintaining documentation of laboratory protocols and human biological samples; determining if biological samples collected are acceptable for testing; and establishing quality assurance programs to monitor and ensure the accuracy of test results. OR Education: Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Science. OR A combination of graduate level education and experience as described above. Work Environment: Work is performed in a research laboratory setting. The work involves regular and reoccurring exposure to potentially infectious agents and chemical materials (including caustics, acids, test reagents, flammables, etc.) and electrical/mechanical devices; and requires adherence to established and written safety standards. The incumbent is required to wear protective clothing, gloves, and appropriate eye protection while working in the laboratory 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 2150 Centre Avenue Building D, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80526 US
• Name: Jared Foret
• Phone: 7032599390
• Email: [email protected]