This position is located in the Midwest Area, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Bio-oils Research (BOR) Unit in Peoria, IL. The mission of BOR is to conduct research on chemical, physical, and biochemical modification of new crop oils, gums, proteins, and other plant components to develop new industrial and value-added commercial products. The incumbent of this position will provide research support by performing a variety of technical duties in a laboratory environment.

Duties

Analyzes compositions of new plant oils, lipids, used cooking oils, and waste greases. Synthesizes bio-based fuels, lubricants, polymers, and additives. Measures relevant physical properties of bio-based materials. Performs routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment. Maintains, calibrates, and modifies equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Keeps detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates, statistically analyzes, and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages. Maintains inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological).

Requirements

• U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents seeking U.S. Citizenship may apply. Recent Graduates must be U.S. Citizens to be eligible for non-competitive conversion to the competitive service.
• Appropriations Law and Immigration Law requirements must be met.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Satisfactory Background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year trial period.
• 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 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. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: 1. Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years; OR 2. Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met. In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements above, applicants must possess the experience requirements as follows: GS-05: Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service which is directly related to the work of this position and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-05 level are assisting in collecting or preparing biological or chemical samples in a laboratory environment, AND operating basic laboratory equipment, AND using software packages to record scientific data. OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of physical science, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. GS-06: Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience (defined below) equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service which is directly related to the work of this position and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-06 level are synthesizing and/or characterizing bio-based materials in a laboratory environment, AND operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory instruments and supplies, AND using software packages to record and analyzing scientific data related to agricultural samples. OR Successful completion of one full year of graduate education directly related to the duties of the position. Directly related education includes chemistry, materials science, and engineering. 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

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 5601 Sunnyside Ave Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Christina Olshawsky
• Phone: (970) 305-6708
• Email: [email protected]