This position is located in the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit in Ames, IA. In this position, you will participate in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a laboratory or field environment; and contributing ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of research involving livestock, poultry, or human foodborne pathogens.

Duties

Collect, prepare, evaluate, and verify samples and supporting records. Maintain inventory of chemicals, prepare solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory or field and safely dispose of waste material (both chemical and biological). Maintain records and locate and compile data and other information from various sources. Keep detailed records of experimental data. Perform routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment. Maintain, calibrate, and modify equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures.

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-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 successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience assisting in one or more phases of the research process in a laboratory setting; and operating common laboratory equipment used for microbiology or molecular biology techniques. OR Education: One full year of study leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Animal Science, Poultry Science, Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physiology, or Food Science. OR A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education 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 successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience participating in a biological research project related to animals, livestock, poultry, food safety, microbiology, molecular biology, or immunology; statistically analyzing or summarizing data; and operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. OR Education: One full year of study leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Animal Science, Poultry Science, Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physiology, or Food Science. OR A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education 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: Sydney Teague
• Phone: 703-259-9455
• Email: [email protected]