Biological Science Laboratory Technician

Duties Summary

These four (4) positions are located within in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Madison, WI. Two (2) positions in U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, Cell Wall Biology and Utilization Research Unit, one (1) position in U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit and one (1) position in Cereal Crops Research. In these position, you will participate as a team member with the scientist in all phases of the research process.

Requirements

• To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements;
  • Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years; OR
  • Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met.
• AND In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements above, applicants must possess the experience requirements as follows:
  • GS-07: Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. Qualifying experience for GS-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 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 carrying out routine laboratory support tasks using established methods in biological or agricultural research settings; and following detailed instructions to prepare samples, operate basic laboratory equipment, and record data accurately. OR Education: Successful completion of at least one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a masters' or equivalent graduate degree, related degrees may include biology, plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, soil science, agronomy, nutrient management, animal science, dairy science. OR An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education directly related to the work of the position as stated above.
  • GS-08: Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. Qualifying experience for GS-08 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 performing a variety of laboratory procedures; operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory instruments and equipment; and prioritizing tasks, resolve routine problems, and ensure accurate, reliable research data in support of scientific studies. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a masters' or equivalent graduate degree, related degrees may include biology, plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, soil science, agronomy, nutrient management, animal science, dairy science. OR An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education directly related to the work of the position as stated above.
  • 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. Qualifying experience for GS-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-08 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 executing complex laboratory procedures using biological research methods, including modifying or developing techniques to meet research objectives; planning, conducting, and evaluating laboratory tasks or experiments; and interpreting findings and contributing to the effectiveness of scientific projects. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a masters' or equivalent graduate degree, related degrees may include biology, plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, soil science, agronomy, nutrient management, animal science, dairy science. OR