This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit in Maricopa, AZ. In this position, you will actively participate in one or more phases of the research process related to plants and insects by performing a variety of technical duties in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment.

Duties

Process and prepare plant or insect samples for analysis. Perform a variety of techniques related to molecular biology including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis, DNA extraction, ELISA, and gel electrophoresis. Contribute to the rearing and maintenance of laboratory colonies of a research organism. Keep detailed records of experimental data.

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-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 to GS-04 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 includes experience assisting in one or more phases of a research project by collecting or evaluating samples in a field or laboratory setting; and operating field or laboratory equipment. OR Education: 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 scientific or technical 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 being filled. Related courses may include Biology or Agricultural Science. OR A combination of education and specialized 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 includes experience participating in a research project related to plants or insects; preparing and analyzing agricultural or biological samples in a laboratory setting; and maintaining equipment used for test and evaluation procedures. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Biology or Agricultural Science. OR A combination of education and specialized 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 800 Buchanan Street Albany, CA 94710 US
• Name: Kayleigh Pfeiffer
• Phone: 703-995-9645
• Email: [email protected]