The Research Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal) will work in the CardioPulmonary Vascular Biology (CPVB) Center of BioMedical Research Excellence (COBRE) Cell Isolation and Organ Function (CIOF) core. The selected incumbent will assist with research projects and experiments conducted in a biological laboratory setting, under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator.

Duties

The primary responsibilities involve working with scientists who are interested in services provided by the CIOF. These include, but are not limited to, in vitro tissue culture; cell isolation, purification, and characterization from tissue and/or organs; performing ELISA assays; performing and gathering images of immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescent slides; and performing experiments in molecular, biochemical, and cell biology. Incumbent will adhere to the basic laboratory rules and guidelines, exercising strict compliance with safety protocols. Performs test and examination procedures for samples; Performs experiments in molecular biology, protein purification and analysis, and cell culturing techniques, tissue engineering, histology, etc. Performs preliminary microscopic evaluations of specimens before and after experimental use to verify precise procedures, controls, receipt, storage, and preparation of specimens. Performs work concerned with the techniques and equipment peculiar to analysis of biological substances or to the study of biochemical relationships; Prepares assays in accordance with professional standards; Maintains and controls laboratory records; Participates in functional analysis and design of computer systems for record keeping and analysis of data. Uses a variety of computer software in the laboratory and maintains accurate and detailed records of all laboratory experiments, tests, examinations, and results to provide adequate information. Performs data analysis, including: arithmetic calculations, algebra and graphing of data by using interactive computer programs and statistical evaluations. Presents data to the supervisor Controls equipment and supplies ensuring appropriate stock of reagents, antigens, or other media or control substances/chemicals are available. Uses appropriate handling procedures for hazardous specimens, chemicals, etc.; Properly disposes of hazardous and radioactive waste. Performs autoclaving, shipping, receiving and storage of samples; orders and inventories supplies. Performs other related duties as assigned. Promotion Potential: None Work Schedule: Intermittent, part-time Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/11/2024. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Experience: You must have general experience involving sample processing; assays; cell/tissue culture; laboratory inventory and/or equipment upkeep; stocking and/or making reagents; data collection and/or data analysis; preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts or grants; and biological or animal research. OR Education: There is no minimum education requirement for this series. However, applicants relying on their education to meet the basic experience requirements for this position are expected to have completed at least one year of study in any combination of courses directly related to the position to be filled (e.g., biology, chemistry, animal husbandry, etc.). OR, Combination: Applicants may rely on a combination of related education and experience to qualify. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: BiologyResearchTechnical CompetenceWriting 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; religions; 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. 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. Physical Requirements: The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring running, walking, or bending, walking or climbing ladders or scaffolds to observe, collect, or record research data. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a workday) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, such as in a laboratory, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working around moving parts, carts, or machines; with contagious diseases or irritant chemicals. Employees are required to use protective clothing or gear such as hard hats, masks, gowns, ear plugs, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields to moderate risks, or to follow procedures for minimizing risk. 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

There are no minimum education requirements for this position.

The duties require knowledge of the basic principles of biological science to assess readings and measurements taken, tests executed, observations made, work completed, samples collected, etc., to understand and relate the significance of the results to the higher objectives to which the activity is related, i.e., the technician must assess the worth of the data by considering its applicability to the higher objective, by assessing and reporting on the characteristics and quality of the source of the data, or by otherwise creatively interpreting the data produced.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Providence ORD VISN 1 380 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]