Molecular Biologist Jobs

Duties

Summary

This position is located within Agricultural Research Service, Pacific West Area, Animal Disease Research Unit in Pullman, WA. In this position, you will conduct basic and applied research concerning the control, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of infectious diseases of domestic animals with economic importance to agriculture.

Requirements

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: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade. Basic Requirements: 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 in A 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-9
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 participating in a molecular biology project; operating laboratory equipment or instruments; and collecting samples from ruminants. OR Education: Successful completion of 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree. Related degrees may include Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, DVM or Veterinary Technology. OR A combination of graduate 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 conducting a molecular biological science project related to ruminant animals; preparing written reports of experiments conducted for inclusion in manuscripts, technical reports, or oral presentations; and operating and managing a research laboratory. OR Education: Successful completion of 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Related degrees may include Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, DVM or Veterinary Technology. OR A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above. Physical Demands: The employee must be able to perform micromanipulation involving a precise dexterity and be adapted to certain repetitious actions without being distracted. The employee must be able to spend prolonged but not excessive periods working with microscopes, biological safety cabinets and using such protective clothing as gloves, face shields, and goggles. The employee is subject to prolonged periods of either standing or sitting, depending upon the specific activity. The requirement for lifting should not exceed 50 pounds. The incumbent must occasionally apply proper restraint to cattle, horses, sheep or goats. Work Environment: The position is performed under conditions of an air-conditioned laboratory with occasional activities in barns and other animal holding facilities.
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.

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