This position is located within the Research and Development (R&D) Service at the VA Medical Center in Buffalo, NY. The Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) works in a research program within a laboratory environment.

Duties

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-7. At the GS-6 grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-7. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and availability of funds. The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Prepares samples of blood, tissue, urine, or other organic substance from animal test subjects to provide specimens that effectively support laboratory test, examination, or research procedures Prepares samples, slides, smears, and diagnostic reagents common to the laboratory Prepares primary cultures for relatively pure populations of specific cell types to evaluate regulation of cell behavior independent of the animal Observes physiological or behavioral effects of various conditions, agents, and stimuli on laboratory animals Performs tests and examination procedures for diagnostic, surveillance, experimental, and reference samples that involved delicate and exacting steps using elaborate and complex instrumentation Demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of the reaction of biological systems to chemical or other organic interactions Interprets recorded or collected data that may involve very fine distinctions to identify trends in results Accurately assesses the validity of an experimental process, recognizing common environmental or other considerations that could affect the results Performs common laboratory assays including preparation of solutions and calculations of dilutions and concentrations, pH determination, BCA protein determination, gradient and high-speed centrifugation, and microscopy Performs advanced laboratory assays such as Western blot, fluorescent imaging, immunochemistry, tissue and cell cultures, ELISA techniques, DNA isolation and purification, preparation and analysis of RNA, Southern blots, kinase and signal transduction assays Develops and maintains detailed records of all experimental or other protocols Presents data in a logical and systematic fashion Performs data analysis, including arithmetic calculations, algebra, graphing of data using interactive computer programs, and preliminary statistical evaluations Calibrates and maintains laboratory equipment Performs other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

Qualifications

In order to meet the minimum qualifications for this position at the GS- 6 level you must meet one of the following: EXPERIENCE: One (1) full year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of this Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) - Research. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is work where you applied knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, behavior, health and care of animals; performing tests involving animals, including operative and autopsy techniques, gross pathology techniques, methods peculiar to the collection and examination of animal fluids or tissue; and observing the physiological and behavioral effects of various conditions, agents, and stimuli on animals. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of your duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. -OR- EDUCATION: Successful completion of one half (1/2) year of graduate education in a field of study directly related to the work of this position. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study. A copy of your transcript(s) is required at the time of application. -OR- COMBINATION: Equivalent combinations of specialized experience and successfully completed graduate education, as described above, to meet the total qualification requirements at the GS-6 level. Your experience must clearly indicate the nature of your duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours worked a week spent in such employment. A copy of your transcript(s) is required at the time of application. **"Preferred: Veterinary Technician License or a New York State Veterinary Technician License"** Note: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/veterinarian/license-requirements You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Animal HusbandryMechanicsResearchTechnical Competence IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, bending over microscopes, manipulating small parts, and lifting moderate to heavy weights. The work also requires fine motor skills and coordination (hand/eye coordination) in the use of laboratory equipment. Some of the work may need to be performed under hoods. Tasks may involve repetitive motion. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

NOTE: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

Contacts

• Address Buffalo ORD VISN 3 130 S. Elmwood Ave Buffalo, NY 14202-2478 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]