Biological Science Laboratory Technician - Research Laboratory & Committee Manager

About the role

This position is located within the Research and Development Service at the G. V. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson Mississippi. The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of specialized and complex procedures in support of research protocols to which assigned and provide administrative oversight of the Research and Development Committee.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory management, experimental design, coordination and technical support in a comprehensive biomedical research laboratory setting
• Provides day-to-day laboratory management and site support for the VA Research Program
• Manages shared resources such as specialized equipment and facilities that can be shared by multiple investigators in the Service
• Specializes in laboratory techniques, instrumentation, data collection and processing
• Coordinates laboratory activities across multiple experiments, varied techniques, and laboratory staff
• Maintains committee membership rosters following appointment/re-appointment to research committees and confirms credentialing and privileging of research staff prior to review
• Provides administrative support to facilitate committee's review of research including documenting of compliance to policies as well as other agency and federal regulations
• Performs work involving experimental design, execution, data collection, data analysis and critical evaluation of results
• Assists with the development and execution of laboratory budgets, procurement of supplies and equipment, laboratory safety, inspections, and reporting
• Maintains accurate and complete regulatory files as required
• Monitors and maintains a system for tracking approaching expiration dates
• Promptly notifies appropriate staff of studies which have lapsed prior to expiration
• Performs other directly related duties as assigned

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the GS-9 level, you must meet one of the following:

Specialized Experience: At least one (1) year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-8 grade level in the Federal Service. Qualifying specialized experience includes research activity or control program work; nursery work that required the growing and maintenance of plants in a controlled environment; work comparable to that with a large dairy farm where production records, animal environment, and sanitary conditions were kept in accordance with modern dairy practice; preparing tissue and specimen samples; maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment; and maintaining laboratory records. At this level applicants must possess experience in laboratory work dealing with animal model, record keeping, husbandry and institutional compliance requirements. Applicants should have knowledge of technical methods and procedures in a biomedical research laboratory to provide technical and administrative support to research staff. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must clearly indicate the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Education: Successfully completed a master's degree or two (2) full years of graduate education leading to such a degree in a field of study directly related to the work of this position (i.e. biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, or a related biological science). Education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university. NOTE: If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript (unofficial or official) with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

Combination: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education (beyond the first year) and specialized experience as described above to meet the total qualification requirements for this grade level. NOTE: If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

Preferred Experience

• A strong academic background in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, or a related biological science
• Hands-on experience with laboratory techniques, such as protein purification and analysis (column chromatography, SDS-PAGE); molecular methods (PCR, DNA extraction); HPLC (analytical and preparative); and histological methods (tissue processing, microscopy, and confocal microscopy)
• Experience with laboratory animal research (e.g., mice, rats, zebrafish, or Xenopus), including animal husbandry and management of genetically modified colonies
• An appreciation of laboratory compliance requirements, including protocol submission, laboratory safety, and animal research regulations

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm