This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit in Albany, CA. In this position, you will be responsible for serving as part of a research team conducting microbial research. This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 10 years.

Duties

Assist in one or more phases of the microorganism research process by performing a variety of complex technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment. Maintain records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Tabulate, statistically analyze and summarize data using personal computers and software packages. Identify bacteria or viruses using the following techniques: Liquid chromatography, Gas chromatography, Extraction of DNA/RNA, , and Extraction of soil compounds. Contribute ideas towards the basic planning of microbiological research projects such as equipment or materials needed for operation. Maintains, calibrates, and modifies equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures, such as spot tests, purification, plaque assay, propagation, and ultracentrifugation. Records data involving bacteriophage absorption rate, temperature, susceptibility, efficiency of planting, and host range analysis. Maintains inventory of chemicals, stock solutions, etc., prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, or field, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological). Collects, prepares, or evaluates and tests samples for food, soil, water, fecal matter, plants, microorganisms, and DNA.

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 trial 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-05 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-05 includes one year of specialized experience comparable toGS-04 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 conducting experiments involving bacteria or viruses; following standard research procedures; and utilizing microbiological research equipment in a laboratory environment. OR Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study above the high school level leading to a bachelor's degree with major study. or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. At least 6 semester hours of courses must have been directly related to the position. Related courses may include genetics, biochemistry, food science, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. 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 participating in a microbiological research project including collecting pathogen samples; compiling scientific data; and operating or maintaining microbiological research equipment or systems. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related courses include genetics, biochemistry, food science, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience 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 perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is participating in an experiment or research project related to the study of microorganisms, human pathogens, or bio bacterial phages; characterizing microbiological samples; recording or analyzing microbiology research or data; utilizing microbiological research equipment. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related courses include genetics, biochemistry, food science, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology. OR A combination of graduate level 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 800 Buchanan Street Albany, CA 94710 US
• Name: Chirag Patel
• Phone: 5716693542
• Email: [email protected]