Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Animal)

About the Role

This position is located in the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Animal Resource Unit (ARU) in Manhattan, KS. The selected candidate will conduct comprehensive research, develop vaccines and anti-virals, and provide enhanced diagnostic and training capabilities to protect the nation from foreign or transboundary, emerging, and zoonotic diseases that threaten livestock, other animals, and the food supply.

Responsibilities

• Operate and calibrate diagnostic and biocontainment equipment.
• Collect and process biological samples, maintaining accurate records of sample collections.
• Administer topical or oral medications and perform euthanasia activities, including IV injection of barbiturates and administration of sedatives and anesthetics.
• Train other staff in technical processes.
• Interpret data obtained from analysis.
• Lead euthanasia activities and ensure compliance with safety protocols.

Requirements

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-07

• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06, including operating and calibrating diagnostic equipment, working with other technicians to collect and process biological samples, and maintaining records of sample collections.
• Education: One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s or equivalent graduate degree in a related field (e.g., Biology, Animal Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Entomology, Virology).
• Combination: A combination of graduate-level education and experience as described above.

GS-08

• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07, including operating and calibrating diagnostic equipment, administering medications, performing euthanasia activities, and training other staff in technical processes.
• Education: Two full years of graduate-level education or a Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Biology, Animal Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Entomology, Virology).
• Combination: A combination of graduate-level education and experience as described above.

GS-09

• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-08, including operating diagnostic or biocontainment equipment, leading euthanasia activities (e.g., IV injection of barbiturates, administering sedatives and anesthetics), and interpreting analytical data.
• Education: Two full years of graduate-level education or a Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Biology, Animal Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Entomology, Virology).
• Combination: A combination of graduate-level education and 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).

Containment Work Requirements

• Immunizations: Immunization against diseases studied at NBAF that are transmissible to humans is required if the vaccine is FDA-approved. Immunization with investigational vaccines is voluntary, and declination forms are available for those who opt out.
• Health Monitoring: Baseline blood samples are required for employees entering and working in the biocontainment facility. Periodic biologic and serological tests monitor physical health, along with psychological examinations. Medical conditions that could pose safety risks (e.g., sudden loss of consciousness, inadequate vision/hearing) may be disqualifying.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use of PPE, including respirators, disposable protective clothing, and eye protection, is mandatory. Tight-fitting respirators require medical evaluation, fit testing, and compliance with facial hair restrictions.
• Hygiene Protocols: Daily full-body showers with soap and shampoo are required. Skin conditions preventing daily showering are disqualifying. Jewelry, unhealed piercings, and external medical devices (unless removable or sealable) are prohibited in containment areas.