This position is located within the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center for USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Grand Forks, ND. In this position, you will participate in research studying the role of foods, agricultural practices and physical activity on animal health.

Duties

Participates as a team member with the scientist in all phases of the research process and assumes full technical and operational responsibility for specific phases of the research. Provides input into the initial planning of experiments. Collects, prepares, evaluates and verifies samples and supporting records. Evaluates data and performs appropriate calculations and analyses. Organizes experimental progress in the form suitable for oral presentation or posters for scientific meetings. Writes periodic laboratory reports including discussion on experimental design, principle, procedure, and results Performs molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation, real time PCR equipment operation, or analysis of bone structure. Operates and maintains a variety of highly specialized complex equipment which must be calibrated and synchronized to achieve desired results. Selects appropriate methods and procedures for carrying the project plan to completion.

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 https://www.e-verify.gov/.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Basic Requirements for Biological Sciences Series 0401: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet the following minimum qualification requirements: GS-09 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-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 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 setting up and conducting an experiment or research project related to biology; collecting, preparing, and evaluating biological samples and supporting records; and preparing reports summarizing progress or results of research. OR Education: Successful completion of two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Animal Science, Physiology, Anatomy, Biology, or Molecular Biology. OR A combination of education and specialized experience as described above. GS-11 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-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 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 coordinating a research project related to biological studies; collecting and evaluating biological testing data; and operating, maintaining, calibrating, or modifying specialized equipment; and analyzing and summarizing research results for preparation in scientific reports or manuscripts. OR Education: Successful completion of three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Animal Science, Physiology, Anatomy, Biology, or Molecular Biology. 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. Physical Demands The work sometimes requires standing for prolonged periods of time. Work Environment Work is performed primarily in a laboratory. Incumbent is exposed to irritant chemicals on an irregular basis; on such occasions, special safety precautions are required, and the biologist uses protective clothing and gear such as laboratory coat, safety glasses and gloves.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 2150 Centre Avenue Building D, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80526 US
• Name: Robert Green
• Phone: (703) 259-9392
• Email: [email protected]