This position is located in the Crop Improvement & Genetics Research Unit of the Western Regional Research Center in Albany, CA. The incumbent assists in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment, including plant tissue culture and molecular biology. This position is designated as a bargaining unit position and is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

Duties

Maintains inventory of chemicals, prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological). Applies plant physiology techniques such as DNA isolation, RNA isolation, protein isolation, enzyme measurement, genetically engineering plants, and growing sterile cultures. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources related to plants. Contributes ideas towards the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of the research relating to plants. Maintains, calibrates, and modifies equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures. Tabulates, statistically analyzes, and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages.

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. Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled and which provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the position. GS-07: Qualifying experience for the GS-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-06 grade level or its non-federal equivalent collecting, preparing, and evaluating plant samples; maintaining, and calibrating laboratory equipment; following established research procedures; and contributing ideas to the design and planning of new experiments. 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 Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Plant physiology, Genetics, or Microbiology. OR A qualifying combination of experience and graduate education as described above. Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a work day) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Work Environment: The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working with contagious diseases or irritant chemicals or working outdoors. The employee is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves. 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: Melissa Smith
• Phone: 510-559-6312
• Email: [email protected]