As a Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Microbiology) at the Center for Veterinary Biologics you are responsible for testing proposed and licensed biologics by specific techniques which evaluate the potency, safety, purity, and efficacy of manufactured veterinary biologics.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Applies various biologics testing techniques such as; titrations, cell culture, extraneous agent testing, ELISA/EIA, karyology, Western blot, DNA/RNA extraction. Participates in the Quality Assurance initiatives and practices. Maintains a safe work environment and follows agence and other common laboratory safety policies. Provides training in area of expertise to laboratory personnel and visitors. Provides technical support for developmental projects as needed. Provides technical assistance in areas of: testing reagents, keeping records, and ordering media, supplies or animals.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male 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/
• Work requires substantial manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Occasional lifting of objects up to 40 pounds is expected.
• Duties may require occasional use of personal protective clothing.
• Immunization against diseases being studied which are transmissible to humans may be required

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. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level) that demonstrates: Performing microbiology techniques such as fermentation, anaerobic and aerobic culture, aseptic technique, microbial cell count, gram stain, light and fluorescent microscopy or viral techniques (neutralization, detection and propagation). Performing in-vivo (vaccination/challenge and toxin-antitoxin neutralization) potency tests in laboratory animals and in-vitro (ELISA, cell assays) in accordance with standard operating procedures. Performing molecular techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, DNA isolation, electrophoresis, real time PCR, conventional PCR, plasmid isolation and characterization, Sanger sequencing or next Generation sequencing. Keeping laboratory records in accordance with quality assurance requirements and preparing written summary reports of laboratory work and presenting this information in a small group setting. OR One full year in graduate education in biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, mathematics, or related fields with at least 6 semester hours in microbiology, biology or chemistry. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]