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Biological Science Laboratory Technician

Summary

This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Mycology & Nematology Genetic Diversity & Biology Laboratory in Beltsville, MD
In this position, you will be assisting with plant or microbiology research in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment; recording or analyzing scientific data; and operating standard scientific equipment or systems for plant or microbiology research purposes.


Duties


  • Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records.
  • Prepares solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory or field.
  • Maintains inventory of chemicals, supplies, and equipment for use in the laboratory, field or greenhouse facility, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological).
  • Assists in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a laboratory or field environment, common to the assigned area of work.
  • Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources in support of scientific research.
  • Keeps exact and detailed records of data obtained from experiments in support of scientific research.
  • Performs a full variety of the standardized technical support and technical duties associated with the work.
  • Performs routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment.
  • 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.
  • Independently operates laboratory and field equipment with little to no assistance.


Qualifications


GS-05
Specialized Experience: For this position, specialized experience is participating in a research project related to plants or microbiology; keeping records of research data; and operating and maintaining laboratory equipment used for microbiology techniques.
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. Related courses may include Molecular biology, Plant science, Botany or Genetics.
OR
A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above.

GS-06
Specialized Experience: For this position, specialized experience is assisting with plant or microbiology research in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment; recording or analyzing scientific data; and operating standard scientific equipment or systems for plant or microbiology research purposes.
OR
Education: One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related courses may include Molecular biology, Plant science, Botany or Genetics.
OR
A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above.

GS-07
Specialized Experience: For this position, specialized experience is conducting microbial research related to plants including collecting or studying plant microorganisms; recording and analyzing scientific data; operating standard scientific equipment or systems for plant or microbiology research purposes; and modifying or developing new research techniques.
OR
Education: One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related courses may include Molecular biology, Plant science, Botany or Genetics.
OR
A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above.

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.