These positions are located within the Microbiome and Metabolism Research Unit for USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in Little Rock, AR. In this position, you will provide support and assistance to research leaders and scientists in studies that enhance health through the science of food, nutrition, and physical activity. 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

Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records. Prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory. Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources. Uses laboratory techniques for detecting DNA, RNA and protein in biological samples, including DNA/RNA isolation, real-time RT-PCR, western immunoblotting, radioimmunoassay, enzyme-linked immunoassay, immunohistochemistry, or in situ hybridization. Participates in an experimentation involving rodents and performs general handling and animal husbandry duties. 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 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/
• Drug Test Required.
• Vaccine(s) Required

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 perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience assisting higher level technicians in one or more phases of the research process in a laboratory setting; working with, taking care of, or collecting tissues from animals; and operating common laboratory equipment. 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 being filled. Directly related courses may include Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Nutrition, Animal Science, Physiology, Immunology or Ecology. 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 perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience collecting and evaluating samples; keeping detailed records of experimental data; and performing routine and recurring techniques using a variety of specialized equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year of graduate level education leading to a Master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Nutrition, Animal Science, Physiology, Immunology or Ecology. OR A combination of graduate level 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. 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. Other Considerations ARS personnel hired at the Little Rock, Arkansas location and working on the Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) Campus must adhere to the Hospital's pre-employment and periodic medical immunizations and drug testing requirements as a condition of and continuation of employment in this position where research is conducted within a Hospital environment and interactions with patients and others with medical illnesses including those of contagious nature maybe present and cause health concerns. The selectee will be required to submit proof of immunizations prior to the establishment of a final start date. Required medical immunizations/vaccinations and drug testing currently consists of the following: Pre-employment and periodic random testing of substances of abuse including Nicotine. Influenza (flu) vaccine. Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella (MMR) 2 vaccine doses or positive titer. Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) within the past 10 years. 2-step Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) or clear chest X-ray. Varicella vaccine or positive titer or medically documented history of disease. Hepatitis B 3 vaccine series or positive titer Full course of COVID vaccine. Compliance with any additional requirements implemented by ACH, even if not provided at the time of hire, remain a condition of employment.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 141 Experimental Station Road Stoneville, MS 38776 US
• Name: Robert Green
• Phone: (703) 259-9392
• Email: [email protected]